Kathmandu, October 31: The inauguration ceremony of a newly constructed 15-bed hospital in Pheta Rural Municipality, Bara, turned into a venue for political showmanship and violent clashes.
Following an escalation of clashes between supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the CPN-UML, the hospital premises were vandalized, the commemorative plaque and tents were damaged, and 10 motorcycles were set on fire.
A teenager was injured by police gunfire, while five police personnel were also injured in stone-pelting incidents.
The political dispute surrounding the hospital’s inauguration turned violent on Friday.
RSP lawmaker Samikshya Baskota arrived to inaugurate the hospital, prompting protests from UML supporters. As tensions between the two sides escalated, clashes broke out.
During the clashes, 15-year-old Aditya Paswan of Ward No. 3 of Pheta Rural Municipality was injured after being shot by police. He reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh.
He was admitted to National Medical College in Birgunj for treatment. Five police personnel were also injured during the stone-pelting.
The vandalism at the hospital premises also damaged the newly constructed infrastructure. The commemorative plaque and tents prepared for the inauguration were vandalized, while 10 motorcycles parked on the premises were set on fire.
The dispute between the UML faction, which has claimed that hospital construction began under its leadership, and the RSP lawmaker who arrived to inaugurate the facility ultimately escalated into clashes between supporters of the two parties.
UML leaders reportedly warned the District Administration Office two days before the event that they would disrupt the program. The protest was led by former chairperson Sah and Lalbabu Sah, a teacher who also serves as a headmaster.
According to police, a group of approximately 250 people arrived and launched an attack. The situation subsequently spiraled out of control.
Police resorted to baton charges to contain the clashes. As the situation deteriorated further, additional police personnel were deployed to disperse the crowd. Police also rescued 10 healthcare workers and security personnel who had been trapped inside the hospital premises.
Despite damage to public property, the burning of vehicles, and injuries to security personnel, no one has been arrested so far. Police said further investigation into the incident is underway.
Login to add a comment