KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Home Affairs has removed Sunsari’s Chief District Officer (CDO) and several senior security officials following the deadly communal clash in Dewanganj that left one person dead and 24 others injured.

The reshuffle comes less than a day after violence erupted between two groups in Kaptanganj of Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3, prompting widespread criticism over the handling of the security situation.

The ministry has recalled Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire to the Home Ministry and appointed Ishwori Prasad Aryal, the Chief District Officer of Sankhuwasabha, as his replacement in Sunsari.

Similarly, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Binod Ghimire, chief of the Koshi Province Police Office, has been transferred to Police Headquarters in Kathmandu. He has been replaced by DIG Shekhar Khanal, who was serving at Police Headquarters.

The ministry has also transferred Superintendent of Police (SP) Keshav Thebe, chief of the Sunsari District Police Office, to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. SP Pushparaj Malla, who was serving at the airport, has been appointed as the new Sunsari police chief.

The Armed Police Force (APF) has also undergone a leadership change. APF SP Shyam Kumar Karki has been recalled to headquarters and replaced by SP Love Kumar Sapkota.

In addition, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nanda Kishore Mahato, who was stationed in Kaptanganj, has been transferred to APF Headquarters in Kathmandu. DSP Madan Nath, previously serving at headquarters, has been assigned to replace him.

The violence in Dewanganj on Sunday night claimed the life of one civilian and injured 24 people, including nine civilians, 10 Nepal Police personnel, and five Armed Police Force personnel, according to official figures.

To investigate the incident, the Home Ministry has formed a five-member probe committee led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within one week.

Meanwhile, the Sunsari District Administration Office has imposed an indefinite curfew in sensitive areas of Dewanganj and Harinagar rural municipalities from 7:00 a.m. Monday, citing the need to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.

The incident has sparked nationwide concern, with political leaders and rights advocates demanding an impartial investigation into the police response and the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.