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🇳🇵 Nepal /Crime & Justice

One killed as police open fire after clash in Sunsari

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • One person died and 22 were injured, including 13 security personnel, during a violent clash between two communities in Sunsari, Nepal.
  • The conflict erupted over loud music played by Hindu devotees during a pilgrimage, escalating from a verbal dispute to a physical confrontation.
  • Police opened fire to control the escalating violence, leading to the death of one civilian and injuries to others, prompting a heavy security deployment and an investigation.

A violent clash between two communities in Sunsari district, Nepal, resulted in one death and 22 injuries, including 13 security personnel, on Sunday night. The confrontation began in Kaptanganj after a dispute over loud music played by Hindu devotees participating in the annual Bolbam pilgrimage.

The verbal dispute quickly escalated into pushing and shoving before erupting into a violent clash.

— Sunsari District Police OfficeDescribing the initial escalation of the conflict.

Devotees, returning with holy water from the Koshi Barrage, were playing loudspeakers when members of another community objected. The disagreement quickly escalated from words to pushing and shoving, eventually erupting into a violent clash involving sticks, bamboo poles, stones, and spears. Police attempted to mediate, but the situation worsened as more people joined the fray.

Police said officers came under heavy stone pelting from both sides, injuring eight Nepal Police personnel.

— PoliceDetailing the attacks on security forces during the clash.

Security forces, including the Armed Police Force, were deployed to quell the unrest. Police reported being targeted with stones, injuring eight Nepal Police personnel. In an attempt to de-escalate, Inspector Rai fired warning shots into the air. Subsequently, Armed Police Force personnel opened fire, leading to the death of 30-year-old Om Prakash Mehta and serious injury to another man. An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the live rounds being fired.

Authorities have yet to determine why live rounds were fired or how many shots were discharged. An investigation is underway.

— PoliceRegarding the circumstances of the fatal shooting.

Authorities have since increased security presence with over 370 personnel from the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. Discussions are ongoing with community representatives to ease tensions, and the situation is reported to be under control. The Sunsari District Security Committee held an emergency meeting and decided to enhance security measures.

The situation is currently under control, with heavy security deployed across the area.

— PoliceReporting on the current state of affairs after the incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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