Home Ministry recalls Sunsari CDO, security chiefs after Sunsari clash

Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated a significant shake-up in Sunsari district following a deadly communal clash that claimed one life. Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire has been recalled to Kathmandu, with Ishwari Prasad Aryal appointed as his replacement.

The security apparatus also saw major changes. Koshi Province Police chief, Deputy Inspector General Binod Ghimire, was recalled to Police Headquarters, and Shekhar Khanal was appointed as the new provincial police chief. Superintendent of Police Keshav Thebe was transferred from the Sunsari District Police Office to Gautam Buddha International Airport, with Pushpa Raj Malla taking his place in Sunsari. Deputy Superintendent of Police Nanda Kishor Mahato was also recalled from the Armed Police Force in Kaptanganj, replaced by Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Nath.

The administrative actions follow a violent incident in Dewanganj Rural Municipality on Sunday night. The clash reportedly began over loud music played by devotees during the annual Bolbam pilgrimage. The dispute escalated quickly, leading to Armed Police Force personnel opening fire. Om Prakash Mehta, 30, died from a bullet wound while en route to a hospital. In total, 24 people were injured, including civilians and security personnel.

A five-member investigation committee, led by joint secretary Bhupendra Thapa, has been tasked with probing the incident and must submit its report within a week. To quell potential further unrest, an indefinite curfew was imposed on Monday morning in parts of Dewanganj and Harinagar rural municipalities. Security has been heightened across Sunsari, and officials are engaged in talks with community representatives to de-escalate tensions.