Home Minister Bhim Rawal formed the committee that also includes SSP Hemanta Malla Thakuri and Regional Director of National Investigation Bureau at Hetauda Rajendra Khatri and instructed it to submit its findings within seven days. [break]
Tension-gripped Janakpur bazaar remained completely shut on Monday as well. Protestors staged demonstrations by burning tires on the road from early in the morning. Demonstrators and police clashed repeatedly, leaving 12 protestors injured. The injured are being treated in Janakpur Hospital.
SP Sarbendra Khanal said the clash ensued after the demonstrators threw a petrol bomb at Railway Police Post, leaving a fruit shop destroyed. He said police had to fire rubber bullets and tear gas shells to rein in the situation as it was more effective to control the mob than baton-charging. Locals, however, said police fired rubber bullets targeting the demonstrators.
A joint rally of political party cadres and traders was held in Janakpur in the afternoon. Dhanusha FNJ chief Umesh Sah said the situation has become extremely serious in Janakpur. He said journalists were extremely insecure as police have been targeting them.
Janakpur has remained tense since Saturday following alleged rape of an Indian woman by sub inspector of Temporary Police Post at Janakpur Railway Station Babu Ram Jha.
Locals protesting the incident and journalists covering the news were mercilessly thrashed by the police on Saturday under the instruction of SP Shyam Khadka and inspector Abhushan Timilsina. The locals have been demanding suspension of the trio. Around 50 persons, including 13 journalists, were injured as police used force on Sunday as well.
The administration had called Timilsina and Khadka to the headquarters on Saturday and sent Khanal but the situation is yet to improve.
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