Birgunj, September 30:

A dozen persons were injured in a clash last evening between locals and security guards of the National Medical College here over payment of dues for a mobile phone.

One of the injured, Raj Dev Sarraf (Bhannu), is reported to be in a critical condition. He was taken to the Narayani sub-regional hospital, but was referred to Kathmandu for treatment. The other injured persons are being treated at Narayani sub-regional hospital.

The dispute over payment of dues erupted into a clash when hospital security guard Bichari Yadav caught hold of Bhediyahi local Pradip Yadav who had bought a mobile phone at the rate of Rs 3,500 from him on part payment basis. Pradip had paid Rs 1,200 but professed inability to pay further. Bichari caught Pradip as the latter was returning home and dragged him to the hospital premises where half a dozen guards assembled and beat up Pradip, leaving him injured.

Enraged locals of Bhediyahi in Birgunj-18 stormed the hospital, beat up hospital staff and vandalized the premises.

Hospital guards Bichari Yadav, Tipan Yadav, Bhola Yadav, Devaki Sah, Dayanand Sah and Prayag Yadav who beat up Pradip have absconded, said police.

College administration chief Firoz Khan said the college was not connected in any way with the fracas. Meanwhile, a meeting of locals and college representatives was held at the district police office.