KATHMANDU/SUNSARI, July 28: The government on Monday deployed the army in Sunsari and reshuffled the district's top administrative and security officials after a deadly clash between two communities left one person dead and 24 others injured.
A person was killed and at least 24 others, including security personnel, were injured in the violence that erupted in Kaptanganj of Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3 at around 10:30 pm on Sunday.
Police identified the deceased as 25-year-old Om Prakash Mehta of Dewanganj Rural Municipality, who was hit by a bullet fired by security personnel during efforts to bring the situation under control.
According to authorities, the violence broke out after a dispute over loud music played through a DJ system during a religious procession in Kaptanganj. Tensions had reportedly been simmering for several days over disagreements related to flags put up during a Muharram fair. The confrontation escalated after a vehicle carrying the DJ system was vandalized.
Police initially used tear gas and fired warning shots before opening live fire to disperse the crowd. Armed Police Force (APF) personnel fired seven rounds to bring the situation under control.
Govt recalls Sunsari CDO, security chiefs after deadly clash
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), 24 people were injured in the incident, including nine civilians, 10 Nepal Police personnel and five APF personnel. Police said two civilians were in critical condition and the injured were receiving treatment at hospitals in Biratnagar.
Following the violence, the District Administration Office, Sunsari, imposed an indefinite curfew in parts of Dewanganj and Harinagar rural municipalities from 7 am Monday under Section 6(A) of the Local Administration Act, 1971. The order prohibits movement, public gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, assemblies, meetings and sit-ins until further notice.
Despite the curfew, protesters took to the streets in Kaptanganj and Laukahi along the East-West Highway on Monday, burning tires, vandalizing shops and clashing with security personnel. Demonstrations also spread to the district headquarters, Inaruwa, where protesters damaged a police beat in the market area.
Authorities initially deployed additional Nepal Police and APF personnel before mobilizing the Nepali Army as the unrest intensified.
Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire said an all-party meeting had been convened at the District Administration Office in Inaruwa to discuss measures to restore peace.
In response to the incident, the MoHA recalled Sunsari Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire and assigned Sankhuwasabha Chief District Officer Ishwori Prasad Aryal to take charge of the district.
The ministry also reshuffled senior security officials. Koshi Province Police Office chief Deputy Inspector General Binod Ghimire was transferred to Police Headquarters in Kathmandu and replaced by Deputy Inspector General Shekhar Khanal.
Similarly, Sunsari District Police Office chief Superintendent of Police Keshav Thebe was transferred to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and replaced by Superintendent of Police Pushparaj Malla. Armed Police Force Superintendent of Police Shyam Kumar Karki and Deputy Superintendent of Police Nanda Kishor Mahato were also recalled and replaced by Superintendent of Police Lab Kumar Sapkota and Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Nath, respectively.
The MoHA has also formed a five-member investigation committee coordinated by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa to investigate the incident. The committee has been given one week to submit its report.
Meanwhile, the main opposition Nepali Congress blamed the government for failing to maintain law and order and demanded that the Home Minister publicly explain the incident in Parliament and before the public.
In a statement, Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Bhim Raj Angdembe expressed sorrow over the violence, paid tribute to the deceased, extended condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He called for an impartial and independent investigation, publication of the findings and legal action against those responsible. Angdembe also urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid rumors and provocation, and resolve disputes through dialogue, tolerance and legal processes.
