KATHMANDU: The Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi on Wednesday handed over Rs 1 million each to kith and kin of five victims of Saptari incident, amid a programme in Rajbiraj.

The five persons were killed after police had opened fire at the protesters supporting United Democratic Madhesi Front, who had tried to disrupt the CPN-UML's function in Maleth VDC near Rajbiraj on March 6.

DPM Nidhi had informed the family members of victims that the government had declared them as martyrs.

Home Minister Nidhi handed over the cheque amount of Rs one million as compensation to the family members of Sanjan Meheta, Petembar Mandal, Birendra Mahato, Ananda Sah and Indra Dev Yadav.

According to DPM Nidhi's press advisor, Ramjee Dahal government has formed a three-member commission to probe into the incident.

The commission is formed under the former Appellate Court Judge Ali Akbar Mikarani and 30 days is given to prepare and submits its report to the government.