Violence Erupts During Bol Bam Pilgrimage in Nepal's Sunsari District; One Killed, Several Injured in Police Firing
Araria/India–Nepal Border: A religious procession during the Bol Bam pilgrimage turned violent in Kaptanganj, Ward No. 3 of Dewanganj Rural Municipality in Nepal's Sunsari District, about 1.5 kilometers from the Manikpur border at Phulkaha along the India–Nepal border.
According to initial reports, a dispute over a religious flag between members of two communities escalated into a violent clash. As the situation deteriorated, police intervened to restore order. During the operation, police opened fire, leaving several people injured. One injured man later died while undergoing treatment, while a number of police personnel were also reported injured.
The incident has created tension in the area, and security has been tightened to prevent any further escalation.
Dispute During Bol Bam Procession
According to available information, the confrontation began during a Bol Bam religious procession when a disagreement reportedly arose over the display of a religious flag.
What initially started as a verbal argument quickly escalated into a confrontation between members of two communities. Eyewitnesses said the situation soon turned violent, creating panic in the locality.
Police Intervene to Restore Order
After receiving information about the clash, Nepal Police reached the scene and attempted to calm the situation.
Officials said efforts were made to disperse the crowd peacefully, but as tensions continued to rise, police took action to bring the situation under control and prevent further violence.
Nine People Injured in Police Firing
According to official information, nine people were injured during the police action.
The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Some of them were reported to be in serious condition and were referred to higher medical centers for advanced care.
One Injured Man Dies During Treatment
Among those injured was 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta, who later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment on Sunday night.
His death has further intensified tension in the area. Family members and local residents have expressed grief over the incident and demanded a fair investigation and appropriate action against those found responsible.
Eight Police Personnel Also Injured
According to Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire, eight police personnel, including one police inspector, were also injured during the violence.
The injured officers were admitted to hospitals and are currently receiving medical treatment. Officials said their condition is being closely monitored.
Security Strengthened in the Area
Following the incident, the administration deployed additional security forces in sensitive locations to prevent further unrest.
Authorities said they are maintaining close surveillance over the situation and have urged people to avoid spreading rumors or engaging in activities that could increase tensions.
Appeal for Peace
District officials and police have appealed to members of both communities to maintain peace and exercise restraint.
They urged the public not to believe or circulate unverified information and advised people to rely only on official updates regarding the incident.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the dispute began, how it escalated into violence, and the circumstances that led to the police firing.
Investigators are expected to examine eyewitness accounts, available video footage, and other evidence as part of the inquiry.
Heightened Vigilance Along the Border
Given the proximity of the incident to the India–Nepal border, security agencies have increased vigilance in the surrounding border areas.
Officials are coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure that the situation remains under control and that the violence does not affect nearby border regions.
Calls for Communal Harmony
Community leaders and social organizations have appealed to residents to maintain communal harmony and resolve differences peacefully through dialogue and legal means.
Local residents have also called for an impartial investigation and appropriate action based on the findings of the inquiry.
A dispute over a religious flag during a Bol Bam pilgrimage in Kaptanganj, Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Sunsari District, Nepal, escalated into a violent clash between two communities. According to officials, nine civilians were injured during police action, and 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta later died while receiving treatment. Eight police personnel, including a police inspector, were also reported injured. Authorities have strengthened security, launched an investigation into the incident, and appealed to the public to maintain peace and communal harmony.
