Eight Juveniles Injured in Clash, Arson at Child Correction Center in Bhaktapur

Eight juvenile inmates were injured in a clash at the child correction center operating in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-2, Bhaktapur, last night. Arson was set by the juvenile offenders in the center housing 145 boys and 24 girls.

The inmates were moved to various police units after the building became uninhabitable due to the fire, informed SP Surya Bahadur Khadka of the District Police Range, Bhaktapur. The altercation among the children began around 9:45 PM last night at the correction center.

The center remained tense throughout the night after one group of children started attacking those who reported the fight to the police. SP Khadka stated that the clash began over older juvenile offenders attacking the younger children. He said, "It was observed that those who sought help from the police were dragged and beaten."

The juvenile offenders surrounded and set fire inside the building after the police officers deployed for the center's security attempted to mediate. Police Constable Mahendra Bahadur Salami was injured in the attack by the juvenile offenders. A total of eight juvenile offenders were injured in the mutual clash.

Among the injured are 20-year-old Shamsher Pahari from Sindhupalchok, 19-year-old Nabin Ghising from Kavre, 20-year-old Milan Tamang, and a 16-year-old boy from Marin, Sindhuli, totaling eight individuals. Three of them have been discharged from the hospital.

Police have arrested four individuals who escaped from the correction center following the arson and vandalism. Currently, all individuals are being held at the Thimi Police Circle, Jagati, and police units in Kathmandu. The situation is now under control, stated SP Khadka.