BHAKTPUR: A man died of injuries he sustained as a Bisket Jatra chariot crushed him during the annual celebration in Bhaktapur last night.

Laxmi Prasad Tyata (45) from Bhaktapur Municipalities succumbed to injuries during treatment at the National Trauma Centre.

The nine-day festival marked through last four days of the outgoing year and first five days of the new year as per the Bikram Sambat calendar had begun on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Jatra saw at least two clashes between police and locals over route of the chariot procession.

The local administration had decided to shorten the route by skipping some junctions citing that the chariot might put the houses weakened by the strong earthquakes last year at a higher risk.

Some groups of locals, however, protested the change and resorted to stone pelting on police.

Police said eight of their personnel and some locals were injured. While some are undergoing treatment at the Bhaktapur Hospital, those with minor injuries were sent home.

Police arrested four for their alleged involvement in the violent activities.

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