Mob Assaults Armed Police DSP Inside Barracks in Kailali's Khakraula Post

Dhangadhi. A group of locals forcibly entered the Armed Police Force (APF) battalion premises at the Khakraula border point in Tikapur, Kailali, and assaulted the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in charge. The aggressive crowd attacked the battalion chief following an escalating dispute over goods brought from India.

According to APF Deputy Spokesperson DSP Shailendra Thapa, an APF team had seized some illegally imported goods from India on Jestha 3 (May 17/18). Since it was nighttime, the seized items were kept at the battalion as they could not be handed over to customs that day.

On the morning of Jestha 4 (May 18/19), local traders, along with a team from the Tikapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, arrived at the Khakraula Border Security Battalion to discuss the seized goods. During the discussion, the APF insisted on handing over some goods to customs after they were deemed 'unclaimed' due to a lack of proper bills or invoices.

While the discussion was ongoing, a group of youths and locals gathered outside the gate suddenly entered the battalion premises. The mob began assaulting DSP Pradip Paudel, the battalion chief, accusing him of mistreatment. Videos circulating on social media clearly show the angry crowd aggressively confronting and causing a disturbance against the security personnel.

Although the Armed Police attempted to calm the situation and bring it under control through persuasion, the crowd became increasingly aggressive.

The APF Number 34 Battalion Headquarters in Kailali has taken strict action, citing the failure to control the situation and perceived security lapse when their own commander (DSP) was assaulted. Thirty-one APF personnel serving at the battalion, excluding DSP Paudel, have been immediately recalled to the district headquarters. The APF stated that a new team has been deployed to replace them.

The Armed Police Force has formed a three-member investigation committee led by an SP from the Reserve Battalion in Bangaun, Tikapur, to investigate the facts of the incident. "The investigation committee will conduct a detailed study and submit a report, based on which further action will proceed," said Deputy Spokesperson Thapa.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed at the Area Police Office, Tikapur, against seven individuals accused of misbehavior and attacking security personnel. The police stated that the search and investigation for these individuals are underway.