However, Ram Prasad Mukhiya of Ward number 1 of the same VDC, who faces the charge of possessing illegal arms after he was arrested with a pistol following the Friday´s incident, is still in the police custody.
According to the District Police Office, 24 persons, who were booked for arson and vandalism, were released without any punishment after their connection in the incident could not be established on the basis of the victims´ testimony. [break]
Nevertheless, Mohammad Rahim of Sarshwor-7 and Mohammad Jasim and Mohammad Mustakim Rain of Ward No. 8 , who were charged under public offence for their involvement in teasing women pilgrims from Dhanusha who had come to Sarshwor to pay homage at a local Mahadev temple, have been released on bail.
They paid a bail amount of Rs 5,000 each.
On Sunday, the representatives of all the political parties, government officials and the local residents had reached a five-point agreement to release those arrested without subjecting them to any punishment.
However, the local political leaders were angry after the police initiated action against the arrested despite the agreement. The leaders had warned to launch an agitation if all of the arrested ones were not released by Thursday, which forced the police to release the accused abruptly, according to police sources.
Altogether 52 houses were looted and 11 set on fire in the VDC on Friday, according to the District Police Office.
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