A 50-year-old man died in a clash at a local eatery in Katahariya-8, Rautahat on Thursday over an issue of voting in Monday’s local polls. Rampukar Raya Yadav of Baluwa in Katahariya-8 died in the clash, police said.

An eyewitness said the clash ensued between Rampukar and Nepali Congress activist Baiju Sah’s group that accused him of not casting his vote in favour of NC’s ward candidate. Baiju blamed Rampukar cast his vote to the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N).

“Baiju’s group resorted to the baton charge after the situation got tense. Three relatives of Rampukar were also injuries in the incident while trying to rescue him,” said a source. 

Rampukar, who sustained serious injuries to his head, died while undergoing treatment at Katahariya-based clinic. The District Police Office said that Rampukar was not the RJP-N. “He is just an ordinary voter. People tried to give a political colour to the criminal incident after his death,” said a police official, requesting anonymity. 

Rautahat police have detained Bhatta Yadav, Anutha Yadav and Baiju Sah for interrogation. Superintendent of Police Yagya Binod Pokharel said that they were searching for other absconding people. 

The body of the deceased was sent to Gaur Hospital for post mortem.