Damak, July 12:

Locals last night stormed the Shivgunj area police office (APO) in Jhapa district and attacked Sub-inspector Netra Baruwal who sustained severe head injuries.

The incident happened after an argument between the police and local businessmen.

The latter armed themselves with home-made weapons and attacked the police office.

Baruwal has been admitted to a local health centre and is undergoing treatment there.

President of the Shivgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industries Tanka Dhungel said the argument ensued after Sub-inspector Baruwal, for no apparent reason, seized 10 tins of mustard oil from a local businessman Bijay Shah two weeks ago.

A police team comprising Superintendent of Police Yogendra Katuwal held discussions with

district leaders of the eight political parties

and the businessmen to settle the issue.

SI Baruwal has already been transferred to Birtamod, SP Katuwal said.

The dispute was settled after SI Baruwal confessed that he was collecting bribes from those bringing low-quality

fertilizer from India and tendered an apology, business man Tanka Dhungel said.