RAJBIRAJ, Aug 6: Tension flared in Rajbiraj on Wednesday morning as relatives of a man killed in a police firing staged a protest, demanding a fair investigation into the incident that occurred in Saptari’s Kamalpur on Tuesday night.
The demonstrators—relatives and locals of the deceased—blocked roads and burned tires in Rajbiraj, voicing anger over the fatal shooting and calling for accountability.
Around one million looted in Rajbiraj
The incident took place late Tuesday night in Kamalpur, Rajgadh Rural Municipality-2 of Saptari, during a police operation aimed at curbing alleged smuggling activities. During the clash between police and locals, officers opened fire, resulting in the death of 36-year-old local resident Lalu Yadav.
Yadav, who sustained a gunshot wound to his left thigh, was rushed to Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital in Rajbiraj but succumbed to his injuries during treatment, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jitendra Basnet, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Saptari.
The clash reportedly escalated after locals began hurling stones at the police personnel, who had arrived based on a tip-off about cross-border smuggling. In an attempt to control the situation, police fired several rounds, leading to injuries on both sides.
DSP Basnet confirmed that one police officer was also injured in the clash. Police have seized cartons of alcohol allegedly being smuggled into India.
Inspector Birendra Kumar Yadav and Assistant Head Constable Sikendra Tharu sustained injuries during the incident and are currently undergoing treatment.