Key Takeaways:
- Nepal Army mobilised in Kaptanganj after protesters defied curfew, vandalised shops and set fires
- Home Ministry formed five-member probe committee led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa; report due in one week
- Violence erupted after police shooting killed 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta and injured nine others
- Demonstrations spread across Dewanganj, Inaruwa and Laukahi, with protesters blocking highways and accusing police of excessive force
The government on Monday deployed the Nepal Army, formed a five-member probe committee and convened a Central Security Committee meeting after protests intensified across Sunsari despite an indefinite curfew imposed following a fatal police shooting that left one person dead and nine others injured.
The army was mobilised in Kaptanganj of Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3 after demonstrators defied the curfew, vandalised shops and resorted to arson. Authorities said the security situation has since been brought under control, although protests continued in several parts of the district.
The Home Ministry formed a five-member investigation committee led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa to examine the incident. The panel has been given one week to submit its report. The ministry also called a meeting of the Central Security Committee at 5 pm today afternoon to review the Sunsari violence and the country's overall security situation.
The unrest followed the death of 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta of Dewanganj-3, who was shot by police while they attempted to disperse violent clashes between two groups in Kaptanganj on Sunday night. Nine other civilians sustained bullet injuries and are undergoing treatment in Biratnagar hospitals, with at least one reported to be in critical condition. More than 22 people, including security personnel, were injured in the clashes.
According to Sunsari police, the confrontation began when one group preparing to travel to the Saptakoshi River for the Bolbam pilgrimage played loud music late at night. Another group objected, triggering an argument that escalated into a violent clash. Police initially fired tear gas before opening fire as the situation deteriorated.
The shooting sparked fresh protests across Dewanganj, Inaruwa and Laukahi on Monday. Demonstrators burned tyres, blocked sections of the East-West Highway and accused police of using excessive force.
Earlier in the day, the Sunsari District Administration Office imposed an indefinite curfew in Kaptanganj and four other sensitive areas, while prohibitory orders banning public gatherings remained in force across Dewanganj and Harinagar rural municipalities. However, protesters ignored the restrictions, prompting additional deployment of Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and the Nepal Army.
Authorities said investigations into the shooting and the circumstances leading to the violence are ongoing.