Deadly Sunsari Clash Leaves One Dead And Dozens Injured As Curfew And Public Gathering Ban Take Effect

A violent clash between two communities in Sunsari district has left one person dead, at least 16 security personnel and protesters injured, and several local residents wounded, prompting authorities to impose an indefinite curfew in five market areas and ban public gatherings across two rural municipalities.

The violence broke out late Sunday night in Kaptanganj, Ward No. 3 of Dewanganj Rural Municipality, after tensions between members of the Hindu and Muslim communities turned into a large confrontation. Security forces were deployed to control the situation, and authorities have since tightened security across the district.

How The Clash Started

According to police and local officials, the immediate dispute began over loud DJ music being played at a temple in Kaptanganj. The disagreement quickly escalated between members of the two communities.

Security officials also said tensions had already been rising after a flag belonging to the Muslim community was reportedly removed from an electricity pole and replaced with a Hindu flag, further increasing unrest in the area before the violence broke out.

The clash reportedly began at around 10:30 PM on Sunday.

One Person Killed

During efforts to bring the situation under control, security forces opened fire.

Om Prakash Mehta, 24, a resident of Kaptanganj, died after being struck by a bullet during the incident.

Police said Nepal Police fired three rounds into the air, while Armed Police Force personnel fired seven rounds to disperse the crowd.

Authorities have not yet confirmed which weapon fired the bullet that killed Mehta, and an investigation is underway.

Several Injured

The violence left multiple people injured on both sides.

Police said 16 people, including protesters and security personnel, were injured during the incident. Earlier police reports also stated that 10 Nepal Police officers, including Inspector Rakesh Rai, and five Armed Police Force personnel were hurt while responding to the violence.

In addition, nine local residents were reported injured during the clash.

Several of the injured were taken for medical treatment, while security forces remained deployed in the area throughout the night.

Curfew Imposed In Five Areas

Following the deadly incident, the Sunsari District Administration Office issued an indefinite curfew beginning at 7:00 AM on Monday.

The curfew applies until further notice in the following areas:

• Bhantabari Bazaar

• Ghuski Bazaar

• Kaptanganj Bazaar

• Basti Bazaar

• Dewanganj Bazaar

The administration has fixed specific boundaries for each restricted area and has prohibited movement and all forms of public activity inside the curfew zones.

Separate Ban On Public Gatherings

Apart from the curfew, the Sunsari District Security Committee has issued a separate prohibitory order covering the entire Harinagar Rural Municipality and the entire Dewanganj Rural Municipality.

Under this order, more than five people are prohibited from gathering between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Monday in an effort to prevent further violence and maintain public order.

Warning To Violators

The restrictions have been issued under Section 6(a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028 BS.

Officials warned that anyone violating the prohibitory order may face a fine of up to Rs 5,000, imprisonment for up to one month, or both, as provided by law.

Authorities have also urged residents to avoid spreading rumours, obey security instructions, and cooperate with law enforcement until normal conditions return.

Investigation Continues

Security personnel remain heavily deployed across the affected areas while investigators work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

Officials are continuing to examine evidence, including which firearm fired the bullet that killed Om Prakash Mehta.

The district administration has appealed for peace and urged all communities to maintain harmony as the investigation continues and authorities monitor the situation.