RAUTAHAT: In view of ongoing violent activities during the general strike called by the United Democratic Madhesi Front in Rautahat district, more than 20 police beats stationed at the sensitive areas have been merged into nearby area police offices for a time being on Tuesday evening.

According to a source, police beats at Madhopur, Pipara, Dharampur have been merged into the area police office while the Area Police Office of Phardaha has been combined into the base camp of Armed Police Force in Phatuwa.

General public in Gaur have been living in fear after Raj Kishor Thakur (24) of Mahuliya Tole of Mathiya-6 lost his life when police opened fire on agitators yesterday.

Following the incident, anger along with fear has been generated among the people.

According to DSP Sudhir Raj Shahi, security personnel were compelled to open fire after the agitation took an ugly turn.

The Tarai Madhesi Democratic Party leader Anil Sah, however, accused security personnel of using more forces than needed and firing indiscriminately.

Sah further informed that leaders of the political parties as well as locals have been barred from entering the District Hospital Gaur, where the body of Thakur has been kept after the incident.

Preparations are underway to handover the body of Thakur to his family members.