Two injured as rival gangs clash in Itahari

ITAHARI: A violent clash between two groups in Tarahara of Itahari-20 on Sunday left two youths injured.

According to DSP Laxmi Bhandari of Area Police Office, Itahari, Kiran Rai (25) aka Paras has sustained a serious injury in his throat from a sharp weapon. He is currently undergoing treatment at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan.

Meanwhile, Biren Budhathoki (40) aka Babu has suffered injury to his head. He has been referred to Biratnagar after initial treatment in Itahari.

According to DSP Bhandari, both victims are under police surveillance.

Police have arrested Sushan Jung Ghimire (19) of Itahari-20, and Arun Rai (23) and Nitesh Budhathoki of Itahari-2 for investigation.

“The incident appears to have resulted from a longstanding rivalry. However, as we’ve not yet been able to take detailed statements from the injured, the exact motive is not clear yet,” DSP Bhandari said.

Budhathoki operates a scrap shop in Tarahara, where one Akash Giri also works. On Sunday morning, Giri was attacked by Ghimire’s gang while he was out to buy groceries. The incident then escalated into a larger confrontation between the two factions, police say.

Eyewitnesses say the group from Itahari-2 arrived armed with khukuri knives and iron rods.