Local administration on Friday clamped an indefinite curfew in Birtamod after a man died and over 50 injured when police intervened in a protest rally organised by locals accusing the law enforcement agency of a lackadaisical approach in the investigation into a minor’s death.

Eleven-year-old Laxman Siwakoti of Arjundhara, Jhapa was found dead at Baisawadi in Birtamod Municipality-1 on September 30. Locals took to the streets on Friday, saying the police administration had failed to carry out proper investigation.

Police fired rubber bullets to contain the situation after a clash flared up between security personnel and locals.

Nawaraj Thapa, 32, of Arjundhara Municipality-11 died after he was hit by a rubber bullet, confirmed police. Thapa died while being rushed to Mechi Zonal Hospital. More than 50 were injured, six critically, in the clash.

After the minor was found dead in suspicious condition with bruises all over his body, the family members had approached police. According to locals, DSP Rajkumar Silwal had misbehaved with the family members who had reached the police office to file an FIR, prompting them to resort to protest.

Police later registered an FIR against Suresh Pokharel of Birtamod-5 and eight members of his family. They were set to be produced before the court on Friday.

But the kin of the deceased and locals announced Birtamod banda, saying police had failed to perform a detailed investigation.

The protesting locals also vandalised two vehicles and torched a motorcycle. They also vandalised the house of Dhruba Kumar Siwakoti, chief of Birtamod Municipality. Birtamod police have arrested 35 protesters for defying the curfew.