Himal Press 
ITAHARI: A 24-year-old man was killed when Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal personnel opened fire while security personnel were trying to control a clash between two groups in Kaptanganj of Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3, Sunsari, on Sunday night.
Eighteen people, including security personnel, were injured in the incident.
The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash Mehta of Kaptanganj, according to DSP Chandra Bahadur Khadka, acting chief of the District Police Office, Sunsari.
Mehta, who was critically injured in the incident, was taken to Neuro Hospital in Biratnagar for treatment. Doctors declared him dead at around 11:25 pm on Sunday.
According to police, a dispute between two groups that began at around 10:15 pm escalated, leading to vandalism and arson targeting houses, shops, medical stores, vehicles and other structures. A joint team of Nepal Police and the APF was deployed after the situation went out of control.
The District Police Office, Sunsari, said security personnel initially attempted to control the crowd by using batons, tear gas and firing warning shots into the air. Police said they were forced to open fire after those measures failed to bring the situation under control.
Ten civilians were injured in the clash, in addition to those injured by gunfire. They are receiving treatment at Neuro Hospital, Birat Nursing Home, Koshi Hospital and other health facilities in Biratnagar.
Those receiving treatment at Koshi Hospital include Mithilesh Yadav (22), Amalesh Mehta (18), Mithilesh Mehta (25) and Amit Kumar Yadav (20). Police said Rabindra Mehta (21), 18-year-old Amit Kumar Yadav (18), Sunil Kumar Mehta (25) and Sunil Kumar Mehta (26), among others, are being treated at Birat Nursing Home.
Eight security personnel, including Police Inspector Rakesh Rai, were also injured in the clash.
According to police and local residents, a group of youths was preparing to head towards the Saptakoshi River for a Bol Bom pilgrimage, playing music on a DJ system. A dispute reportedly broke out with another group during preparations and later escalated into a clash.
Police say are investigating the actual cause of the dispute.
Curfew enforced
Meanwhile, the District Administration Office, Sunsari, has enforced curfew in Kaptangunj in and nearby market areas to prevent the situation from escalating.
The curfew order will remain in effect from 7 am till 7 pm in market areas of Kaptangunj, Harinagara, Bhutaha, Ghuski and Dewangunj.
