Home Ministry Recalls Sunsari CDO and Senior Security Officials After Deadly Dewanganj Clash Leaves One Dead

The Ministry of Home Affairs has recalled Sunsari Chief District Officer (CDO) Basudev Ghimire and several senior security officials following the deadly clash that took place in Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3, Kaptaanganj, Sunsari, on Sunday night. The government has also formed a high-level investigation committee and ordered major administrative changes after the incident.

As part of the reshuffle, Ishwari Prasad Aryal, who had been serving as the Chief District Officer of Sankhuwasabha, has been appointed as the new CDO of Sunsari.

Major Security Reshuffle

The government has also transferred several senior police and Armed Police Force (APF) officials following the incident.

Koshi Province Police Office Chief Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Binod Ghimire has been recalled to the Nepal Police Headquarters in Kathmandu. He will be replaced by DIG Shekhar Khanal, who was previously serving at the Police Headquarters.

Similarly, Sunsari Police Chief Superintendent of Police (SP) Keshav Thebe has been transferred to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. SP Pushparaj Malla, who was serving at the airport, has been assigned to lead the Sunsari District Police Office.

The Ministry has also recalled APF Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nand Kishor Mahato, who was stationed in Kaptaanganj. DSP Madan Nath, previously serving at the APF Headquarters in Kathmandu, has been deployed to replace him.

One Dead, Twenty-Four Injured

The violent clash between two groups in Kaptaanganj, Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3, claimed the life of one person.

According to official information, 24 people were injured in the incident. The injured include:

• 9 civilians

• 10 Nepal Police personnel

• 5 Armed Police Force personnel

Security personnel were reportedly injured while trying to control the situation as violence escalated.

Five-Member Investigation Committee Formed

Following the incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a five-member investigation committee led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa.

The committee has been tasked with investigating the cause of the violence, evaluating the response of security agencies, and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. It has been instructed to submit its report within one week.

Indefinite Curfew Imposed

To prevent further violence and maintain public order, the District Administration Office (DAO) Sunsari has imposed an indefinite curfew in selected areas of Dewanganj and Harinagar Rural Municipalities.

The curfew came into effect at 7:00 AM on Monday and will remain in place until further notice. Authorities have urged residents to follow the curfew order and cooperate with security forces while the investigation continues.

Government Responds to Rising Tensions

The swift transfer of the district's top administrative and security officials reflects the government's effort to restore public confidence and strengthen security following the deadly incident.

Officials say the investigation committee will determine the exact circumstances that led to the clash and assess whether further administrative or legal action is necessary.

As security remains on high alert in the affected areas, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent any further unrest.