A murder suspect was shot dead after police said they opened fire in self-defence in Saptari district on Wednesday.

According to SP Rajendra Bista, Chief at the District Police Office, Saptari, Dipendra Chaudhary, 35, of Kadorwana, Saptari, who faces various criminal charges including murder, was killed in the police action this morning.

Police said that they were forced to open fire in retalitation after a man, who was riding on a motorbike, opened fire at a police team that was heading towards Rupani from Rajbiraj for security patrolling. Bista said that Chaudhary, who was riding pillion on the two-wheeler, died on the spot when police opened fire in retaliation.

He said the bike rider, however, managed to flee the scene taking advantage of the darkness.

Chaudhary was accused of opening fire at Assistant Sub Inspector Resham Subba of Jhutki Police Post, Saptari, and planting bomb in a vehicle of Area Police Office, Kador and opening fire at on-duty police constable of Bisanpur Police Post, Saptari.

Preparations are underway to take the body to Rajbiraj, SP Bista said.