PHIDIM: A gang wielding arms vandalised more than a dozen shops in Bahardada Bazaar in Panchthar’s Tharpu VDC last night.

According to the victims, as many as 30 self-acclaimed Young Communist League activists had vandalised solar panels put up in their houses too.

Demanding security, local entrepreneurs of Tharpu and Oyam VDCs have called an indefinite closure of shops in the area. Victim Krishna Kharel accused that police released two persons, who were handed by the locals .

Meanwhile, Harka Nembang, district in-charge, UCPN-Maoist, expressed ignorance about the incident. Police Inspector Purushottam Khadka said a police team had been dispatched in the area.