Birgunj, March 26:

An unidentified gang gunned down a student in Birgunj early this morning. Sanjay Gupta, 19, a resident of Ghadiarwa of Birgunj-13 was shot down at 5:15 am in front of the tax office nearby his house, the police said, citing eyewitnesses. He died on his way to Birgunj-based Narayani sub-regional hospital for treatment. Local youths Baiju Gupta, Shambhu Barnawal and Parmeshwor Gupta were held for interrogation, SP Subodh Ghimire said.

Meanwhile, relatives and locals demanding that the deceased be declared a martyr, closed Birgunj bazaar for an in indefinite period. They have also demanded compensation for the family and action against the guilty. CDO Durga Prasad Bhandari agreed to recommend the Home Ministry to announce the deceased a martyr and provide compensation to the family.

The locals said that the indefinite city bandh would not be withdrawn until the agreement was implemented. The agitators also vandalised a jeep belonging to former minister Shyam

Sundar Gupta.