Sunsari Curfew Broken, Government Forms Probe Team

A fatal police shooting during efforts to control communal unrest has pushed parts of Sunsari into a prolonged security crisis, with violence continuing despite an indefinite curfew. The death of a young local resident has intensified public anger, while retaliatory vandalism, fresh protests, and fears of further confrontation have left authorities struggling to restore order.

The unrest began in Kaptanganj, Ward 3 of Dewanganj Rural Municipality, where a dispute between two communities escalated into violent clashes on Sunday night. During the police response, 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta was shot and later died, triggering widespread protests across the area.

Nine civilians sustained gunshot injuries, with one reported to be in critical condition. Initial security assessments indicate that nearly two dozen people, including civilians and security personnel, were injured during the violence.

Curfew Fails to Keep Crowds Off the Streets

The District Administration Office imposed an indefinite curfew covering Ghuski, Bhutaha, Kaptanganj, and the Dewanganj market area after the situation deteriorated. Even so, large groups gathered on Monday morning in defiance of the restrictions, creating fresh security concerns.

Protesters burned tyres at Kaptanganj Chowk and attacked local businesses. Police said a pharmacy, a motorcycle repair garage, and three grocery shops were vandalised. In some places, goods were taken from shops before parts of the premises were set on fire.

The violence disrupted normal life across the market area and left many residents fearful of further escalation.

Security Reinforced Amid Risk of Fresh Clashes

As members of the other community also began gathering, authorities warned that the possibility of renewed confrontations had increased. Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force expanded their deployment, while riot control teams from several districts across Koshi Province were dispatched to the affected area.

The unrest also spread beyond Kaptanganj. Demonstrations involving burning tyres were reported in Laukahi and Phulchowk, while traffic along the East-West Highway was disrupted, causing significant inconvenience to travellers.

Government Orders Investigation

The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a five-member investigation committee under Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa to examine the incident. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within one week.

A meeting of the Central Security Committee was also convened to review developments in Sunsari. The Home Minister, the Inspector General of Nepal Police, the Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, and other senior security officials discussed the evolving situation and the government’s response.

The District Security Committee has decided to tighten security measures further. Although security agencies say efforts to restore normalcy are continuing, Kaptanganj remains highly sensitive, and residents have been urged to comply with administrative directives.

Beyond restoring order, the investigation is expected to address key public concerns, including the circumstances that led police to open fire and the sequence of events that allowed the violence to spread after the shooting.