Rautahat, June 27:

A civilian was killed and two others injured when a gang of armed dacoits opened fire on retaliating villagers at Bishrampur VDC in Rautahat district last night.

Locals retaliated after a gang of 22 dacoits started looting the homes of Chulhai Ray Yadav, Nandu Ray Yadav, Jogi Ray Yadav, Devendra Yadav, Bhujendra Yadav, Badri Yadav, Suraj Yadav and Harendra Yadav at Bishrampur-4.

Devendra Yadav, 16, who was injured in the firing died while being taken to Birgunj for treatment.

Meanwhile, Jogi Ray Yadav and Dipendra Yadav are undergoing treatment and their condition is reportedly critical, Rautahat district police office said.

The robbers looted clothes, valuables and cash worth Rs 400,000, the victims said. Locals said that they were forced to retaliate after police failed to arrive on time.

Locals, however, managed to capture two dacoits Sukram Paswan and Nanipat Ram. They later handed them over to the Garuda Area Police Office.

The locals also locked the Bishrampur police post to protest the irresponsible behaviour of the police officials there. Seven police officials including ASI Sanjaya Mishra were locked up in the office. They also vandalised the office and set fire to the kitchen.

A local Nandu Yadav accused the police of aiding the dacoits in the robbery.

A team led by CDO Shiva Prasad Nepal and Superintendent of Police Laxman Neupane reached the site and freed the locked policemen after promising the locals of action against the guilty officials.