KATHMANDU: Tensions flared in Aurahi Rural Municipality-1 of Dhanusha district on Thursday afternoon as police clashed with locals amid a dispute over love affairs between youths from different villages.

The confrontation erupted when police attempted to intervene in a disagreement involving youths from neighboring communities.

Reports indicate that a group of youths had barricaded roads and initiated a protest.

In response, law enforcement personnel intervened to clear the blockades, leading to a confrontation between the youths and police officers.

The clash resulted in injuries to two police personnel and one member of the Armed Police Force.

Authorities have taken five individuals into custody in connection with the incident.

Police resorted to firing nine tear gas shells to quell the unrest and restore order, according to DSP Ranjan Awale, spokesperson for the Dhanusha Police Office.

DSP Awale further revealed that two couples, believed to be involved in romantic relationships, have absconded, and their whereabouts remain unknown.

Parents of the girls involved have lodged complaints at the District Police Office, alleging that the boys have eloped with their underage daughters.

On Thursday, relatives of the girls staged a road blockade and demanded the search and apprehension of the individuals involved in the alleged elopement.