RAJBIRAJ, July 18: A protest inside the Rajbiraj District Prison in Saptari took a dramatic turn on Saturday after five inmates allegedly poured kerosene over themselves and attempted self-immolation, forcing police to retreat during an operation to quell unrest.
The inmates have been protesting for the past three days, demanding the transfer of Jailer Rupak Mandal. They accused him of extorting money from prisoners in exchange for appointing prison ward representatives. They also alleged that Ram Rijhan, the ward representative of the prison's B Block, had been discriminating against inmates.
Overcrowded prison making life difficult for inmates
Police entered the prison on Saturday morning to restore order, but the situation escalated after officers allegedly used force to disperse the protesters. In response, five inmates doused themselves with kerosene and threatened to set themselves on fire.
Police personnel withdrew to avert a possible tragedy, according to preliminary information.
The Madhesh Province Police Office, Janakpur, said a large contingent of security personnel has since been deployed to the prison to bring the situation under control.
Local authorities said an investigation into the incident is underway.
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