Mahendranagar bazaar remained tense after locals and relatives of a 13-year-old girl, who was raped and murdered at Nimbukheda of Bhimdatta Municipality-18 in Kanchanpur district on Thursday, demonstrated at the Mahakali Zonal Hospital, the municipal office and the bazaar area on Saturday.

Kin of the deceased and locals have demanded strong action against the guilty, compensation for the bereaved family and a police beat in the Nimbukheda area.

Nirmala Panta of Bhimdatta-2 was found lying on a sugarcane farm on the side of Mahandranagar-Ultakham road. Nirmala had been missing after she left home earlier on Thursday to meet her friend. Laxmi Prasad Panta, the brother of the deceased, said they would not perform her last rites until their demands are met.

Police identified the deceased after her bicycle was spotted on the roadside farm. Preliminary investigation shows the girl was murdered after rape, said police. Students aligned with Nepal Student Union demonstrated in Mahendranagar on Friday evening.

The clash ensued when students shut down the bazaar area. Some students and police personnel were injured in the clash.

DSP Gyan Bahadur Sethi said police are looking into the incident. “We have detained some people for interrogation” said Sethi, adding that they were also in contact with the victimised family.