Jul 27, Kathmandu - The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated an investigation into the violent clashes between two communities in Dewanganj, Sunsari, which resulted in the death of one person after police opened fire.

According to a statement from NHRC spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokhrel, a team from the Koshi Provincial Office in Biratnagar has reached the scene to conduct an initial investigation.

During the preliminary assessment, the team is gathering information from local residents, hospital authorities, the district administration, and police officials involved in the incident.

Initial reports indicate that the conflict erupted over the placement of a flag on a pole in a public area. As disagreements over playing music at an event escalated, tensions rose, leading to vandalism and clashes between the two groups.

The situation spiraled out of control, prompting police to open fire to restore order. Tragically, Om Prakash Mehta was killed by a gunshot, and nine others were injured, with two in critical condition, the NHRC stated.

The injured are receiving treatment at various medical facilities, including Neuro Hospital, Birat Nursing Home, and Nobel Medical College.

Following the incident, protesters have taken to the streets, setting tires on fire and carrying sticks and rods to demonstrate their outrage. The area around Kaptanganj remains tense, with ongoing protests and heightened security concerns, the commission added.