SUNSARI: One person was killed and 22 others, including protesters and security personnel, were injured after police opened fire to control a violent clash that broke out around midnight in Kaptanganj Bazaar of Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Sunsari.
The deceased has been identified as 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta, who was shot during the police action.
According to police, the clash erupted late Sunday night over a dispute related to a DJ being played during a Bolbom pilgrimage procession scheduled to head towards the Saptakoshi River on Monday. The confrontation began after one group objected to the loud music, citing noise pollution late at night.
As tensions escalated, the two groups clashed, and the situation quickly turned violent. Protesters allegedly vandalized and set fire to houses, medical facilities, vehicles, and other public and private property in the Kaptanganj Bazaar area.
Police initially used tear gas and fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd. However, local authorities said they were forced to open fire after the mob remained uncontrollable and continued the vandalism and arson despite repeated warnings.
A large contingent of security personnel has since been deployed in Kaptanganj and surrounding areas, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy.
Comment