KATHMANDU, Feb 9: Violence against security forces and vandalism intensified in Parsa on Monday, with two separate incidents in Birgunj highlighting growing law and order concerns ahead of the House of Representatives (HoR) elections.
On Monday, a clash erupted between the Armed Police Force (APF) and a smuggling group after officers raided a warehouse at the residence of Madan Prasad Gupta in Adarshanagar, Birgunj. A joint team from APF Nepal No. 13 Battalion Parsa, the Birgunj Border Security Unit and the Birgunj Customs Office was deployed to seize illegally stored garments worth over Rs 700,000.
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Following the seizure, the smugglers attacked the officers, pelting stones and damaging an APF van and another vehicle. Three APF personnel were injured in the attack, DSP Shailendra Thapa said.
A viral video showed officers fleeing after being beaten while checking traders’ bills and invoices, with footage capturing one officer knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked. Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal said the confrontation escalated from a billing dispute but is now under control.
Meanwhile, tensions have also surfaced in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, over plans by youth groups to reinstall a statue of late King Mahendra at the Mahendra Memorial on February 15, prompting police intervention to disperse demonstrators after discussions with local authorities.
With elections approaching, authorities and observers warn that rising assaults on security personnel, vandalism, and local disputes could threaten law and order, raising concerns about public safety and the overall electoral environment.
