BIRGUNJ: SP Rajendra Basnet, chief of the Armed Border Security Force, has been called back from duty following the death of a commoner, who was thrashed by a customs revenue patrol team. A Self Loading Rifle was also snatched from a policeman in a clash that followed.

SP Bil Bahadur Thapa has been deputed in Basnet’s place, according to District Administration Office Parsa. Mojahir Miyan, 50, of Birgunj 19, was killed in the police action. Irate locals took policeman Om Bahadur Chaudhari under control and snatched his weapon after the incident.

Birgunj Custom Office, CDO Durga Prasad Bhandari and Inaruwa locals agreed yesterday to assist in search of the SLR, which still remains lost. The APF has formed a team to probe into the death. Meanwhile, APF mid-regional headquarters Pathlaiya said Birgunj customs revenue patrol chief APF DSP Yagya Prasad Siwakoti would be taken action against on the basis of the probe findings.