Bara, May 16:

Three armed persons kidnapped eight-year-old Navneet Agarwal, the son of an industrialist, Gopal Agarwal, of Kalaiya-5 in Bara today. The kidnap sparked protests.

The three, who came on a motorcycle, kidnapped Navneet from his residence at around 6 am and took him to an unknown location, police said. They also looted Rs 7,000 and two mobile phone sets from Agarwal’s residence.

Locals closed the Kalaiya bazaar to protest the incident. Businessmen and civilians also burnt tyres in front of the District Police Office and District Administration Office.

Meanwhile, in a statement, district secretary of the Nepal Workers’ and Peasants’ Party, Mukti Yadav, demanded the safe release of Navneet. Bara Chambers of Commerce and Industries has given a 48-hour ultimatum to the police to track down the kidnappers and free Navneet, chairman of Bara CCI Shiv Lal Sharma said.

The Bara CCI also decided to close shops in Kalaiya today and tomorrow in protest.

The Bara Madhesi Youth Forum and Child Protection Nepal also demanded the child’s release.