KATHMANDU: Irate kin of a victim, who died in police custody, and the locals have clashed with the police and vandalized government offices, including police offices, at Karnali provincial headquarters Surkhet on Saturday. The provincial capital is tense following protests by the locals and kin of the deceased.
Police on Friday night arrested three persons, including Krishna Hamal alias Mini, 38, of Kalikot, as they were traveling from Nepalgunj to Surkhet. It is said excessive use of force by police resulted in the death of Hamal, who died while being rushed to Surkhet Hospital for treatment.
The locals along with irascible kin protested accusing Hamal’s death was a result of brutal thrashing by the police. The situation turned tense after the police charged batons against demonstrators today.
Protesters demanded action against the guilty by probing the incident of Hamal’s death. After clashes broke out, security has been tightened in and around Surkhet.
According to police, Hamal entered Surkhet in a truck and was under the influence. Hamal along with the truck driver and a helper were held after they were found drunk.
Police have said Hamal died on way to the hospital, where he was being taken to undergo an alcohol test. However, Surkhet Hospital said Hamal had breathed his last before reaching the hospital, and locals along with the kin of the deceased accused that ill-treatment of the arrested by the police caused the incident.
District Police Office, Surkhet, said an investigation into the incident was underway.
Meanwhile, a probe committee to investigate the incident has been formed by District Administration Office (DAO), Surkhet.
A meeting of the district-based security bodies presided by Chief District Officer Khagendra Prasad Rijal formed a four-member investigation committee under the leadership of Assistant Chief District Officer Ishwori Prasad Pandey to look into the incident.
The committee has been asked to investigate the incident and submit a report within three days.
The administration has also directed security agencies to control possible untoward incidents amid protests over the issue in the district. It also urged the relatives and the locals to cooperate in the investigation.
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