Piaru, a former footballer and well-respected organizer, was assassinated on Sunday night when he was leaving the club tent.

Although the killing spree has become part and parcel of city life, the small sports fraternity somehow managed to stay clear of the bloodshed until now. Because people associated with clubs and organizations are generally regarded as good souls.

But the death of Piaru has clearly indicated that even sport itself is no longer immune from the senseless killing, which has turned into a cheap method of settling disputes.

Fear on the faces of his sports colleagues was clearly evident as nobody dared to vent their anger sensing that they might be the next on the hit list.

There were whisperings in and around the Bangabandhu National Stadium, home to almost all the sports federations, that Piaru was the first casualty of 'gambling'.

The government has legalized gambling in all clubs so that they can earn some money to meet their expenses. But for the last few years the scenario has taken an ugly turn with terrorists taking over different clubs driving the sport-loving organisers out.

"It was not long ago when I thought a visit to the club was the best way to relax once my work was over. Now I don't even feel like going there so often because of the unhealthy atmosphere," said a sports personality preferring anonymity.

"If you go to some clubs especially the smaller one you will hardly find any sporting activities," quipped another sports lover.

"Some clubs have turned into dens for mastaans. There are very few genuine sports organisers at those clubs," added a veteran Arambagh official.

"The government should immediately ban gambling in all clubs to restore sanity in the sports arena, urged another sports organiser.

"This is an ominous sign. In the coming days you might see people getting killed for a trivial on-field confrontation," said another organiser as Piaru's death dominated the discussions everywhere.