A protester died in police firing at BP Chowk in Gaur, the district headquarters of Rautahat, on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Sheikh Tabarej of Tejapakad-1 in the district. The victim, who was hit in the abdomen, was rushed to the District Hospital where he was pronounced dead. “The victim succumbed to injuries as he was shot in his kidney and received shrapnel injuries in his private parts,” said Dr Krishna Sah.

Eighteen-year-old Tabarej was a 10th grader at Juddha Secondary School in Gaur.

The clash between supporters of the agitating Madhes-based parties and security personnel had turned violent. Three protesters and 21 security personnel were injured in the clash. The local administration has clamped an indefinite curfew in Gaur since 4pm. The protesters clashed with police at various places till the evening as they hit the streets defying the curfew.

Sporadic clashes erupted in Gaur early in the morning. Police said they had fired six warning shots and some teargas canisters to contain the situation.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajendra Pokharel, the security personnel retreated to the District Police Office as the demonstrators attacked them with catapults and threw stones as well as bottles at them.

He said the sentry had fired in the air as the enraged protesters attempted to attack the post. DSP Pokharel said Tabarej was hit as the police tried to take the situation under control. Officials claimed that police were compelled to open fire as the protesters advanced towards the Police Office where the Chief District Officer and chiefs of the security agencies were discussing the situation.

“Security personnel exercised restraint. The incident happened as the agitation turned violent,” said CDO Narahari Baral. The District Security Committee had recommended the Home Ministry for due compensation for the bereaved family.

However, the agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) accused the local administration of suppressing their peaceful demonstration. “Security personnel opened fire aiming at the protesters,” said SLMM leader Anil Singh.

The protesters were enraged after the police detained student leader Lalan Yadav on Saturday. They demonstrated at BP Chowk, Kabir Chowk and other places since early on Sunday against the “police’s excesses”.

In Sarlahi, protesters hurled stones at the District Administration Office. Police detained a dozen demonstrators, who were freed in the evening.

SLMM activists burn copies of Constitution Amendment Bill

The protesting SLMM cadres burned copies of the First Constitution Amendment Bill in several parts in the Tarai on Sunday. The agitators took out a protest rally at Rani in Biratnagar and set the bill on fire. Some agitators were injured as the police intervened. Campaigners also burned copies of the bill in Bara, Parsa and Banke districts.

Indian vehicle ferrying patient vandalised

SIRAHA: Madhesi Morcha cadres vandalised an Indian vehicle carrying a patient in Siraha on Sunday. Windowpanes of the vehicle (HR 26AI 3228) ferrying 60-year-old Bishweshor Sah of Golbazar to Darbhanga, India, for treatment were smashed. The driver and the patient’s relatives said the protesters had attacked even after they were told that the vehicle was carrying a patient.