Clash Between Two Communities in Sunsari Leaves One Youth Dead

Sunasari is once again confronting the consequences of a local dispute that spiralled far beyond its original trigger. What began as an argument over loud music during a religious procession late on Sunday night has left one young man dead, more than 20 people injured, and authorities imposing an indefinite curfew across two municipalities as fears of wider communal unrest continue to grow.

The violence has also intensified questions over police use of force after an elected lawmaker accused security personnel of firing directly at protesters despite the situation not warranting live ammunition.

Night-time dispute turns into deadly communal clash

Around 10 pm on Sunday, a group preparing for a Bol Bam pilgrimage towards the Saptakoshi River was moving through the area with loud DJ music. Residents from another community objected to the noise late at night, leading to an argument that quickly escalated.

What began as a verbal confrontation soon turned into physical clashes involving members of both communities. As tensions spread, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force were deployed to restore order.

Security personnel first used tear gas and fired warning shots into the air. When the situation continued to deteriorate, live rounds were fired.

Twenty-four-year-old Om Prakash Mehta sustained gunshot injuries during the operation. According to District Police Office, Sunsari, he was struck by a bullet fired by the Armed Police Force. He later died while undergoing treatment at Neuro Hospital in Biratnagar.

More than 20 injured

The violence left both civilians and security personnel injured.

Among the civilians receiving treatment are Mithilesh Yadav (22), Amlesh Mehta (18), Mithilesh Mehta (25) and Amit Kumar Yadav (20), who are admitted to Koshi Hospital.

Rabindra Mehta (21), Amit Kumar Yadav (18), Sunil Kumar Mehta (25) and another Sunil Kumar Mehta (26) are undergoing treatment at Birat Nursing Home.

Police Inspector Rakesh Rai suffered serious head injuries during the stone-pelting. Other injured Nepal Police personnel include Sub-Inspector Ganesh Narayan Shrestha, Senior Head Constables Amar Lal Yadav, Ram Bahadur Rai and Bijay Yadav, Assistant Sub-Inspector Navaraj Pokharel, and Constables Buddhadev Sah and Nivesh Yadav.

Five Armed Police Force personnel were also injured while responding to the unrest.

RSP lawmaker questions police firing

Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Lal Bikram Thapa, who represents the district, reached the incident site shortly after the violence.

In a video shared through his social media account, Thapa accused police of firing directly at young protesters, alleging that officers targeted them in the chest.

Speaking with senior police officials at the scene, he argued that the circumstances did not justify the use of live ammunition and claimed there had been a lack of coordination among security personnel before the firing began.

The allegations have added pressure on authorities to explain the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.

Indefinite curfew imposed

With tensions continuing to rise after the incident, the district administration has imposed an indefinite curfew across the entire areas of Dewanganj Rural Municipality and Harinagar Rural Municipality until further notice.

Officials say the restrictions are intended to prevent further violence and maintain public order.

Growing concern over communal tensions

The incident has triggered strong reactions beyond the immediate area. On social media, claims have circulated alleging that police bullets struck only Hindu youths, adding another layer of anger to an already sensitive situation.

The developments have also revived broader concerns about the increasing frequency with which local disputes are taking on communal dimensions. A disagreement over loud music during a religious procession ultimately evolved into a confrontation that has claimed a life, injured dozens and left two local governments under curfew, underscoring how quickly fragile social trust can unravel when tensions are left unchecked.