SUNSARI: Chief District Officer (CDO) Basudev Ghimire has pledged a fair and impartial investigation into the deadly violence in Dewanganj Municipality–3, Kaptanganj, saying those found responsible will face strict legal action.
Stating that the local administration is treating the incident with utmost seriousness, Ghimire said a detailed investigation would be carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs to establish the facts and hold those responsible accountable.
“The local administration is taking the Kaptanganj incident very seriously. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and anyone found responsible will face strict legal action in accordance with the law,” Ghimire said.
The violence broke out on Sunday night after a group of Hindu devotees participating in the Bolbam pilgrimage was allegedly attacked by another group in Kaptanganj, triggering clashes between the two sides. As the situation escalated, police opened fire to disperse the crowd.
The shooting claimed the life of 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta, a resident of Dewanganj Municipality-3. More than a dozen civilians were injured in the incident. Five police personnel, including Police Inspector Rakesh Rai, were also injured while attempting to bring the violence under control.
Following the clash, the District Administration Office imposed prohibitory orders across the entire areas of Dewanganj Rural Municipality and Harinagar Rural Municipality to prevent further unrest. The restrictions, effective from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, prohibit the assembly or movement of groups of more than five people.
Security has been significantly reinforced in both local bodies, with a large number of security personnel deployed to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.
The district administration has appealed to all communities to exercise restraint, avoid spreading tensions, and help preserve communal harmony. Ghimire reiterated that the investigation would be conducted independently and transparently, emphasizing that anyone found responsible-regardless of their identity or position-would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
