A clash ensued between the police and locals of Aurahi Rural Municipality in Dhanusha on Thursday after the security personnel attempted to disperse the demonstrators who had been obstructing the Paudeswar road section.

Police lobbed nine tear gas shells after the crowd turned unruly and pelted stones at the security personnel. Three security personnel were injured in the clash, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Ranjan Awale, also the spokesperson at the district police office.

The protesters took to the streets early on Thursday, accusing the police of not properly investigating the disappearance of two women of Paudeswar who have been missing for 10 days.

Locals claimed that the duo were kidnapped by two youths of Hanspur Municipality.

“Investigation is underway. Five people have been taken into police custody on charges of kidnapping and holding the victims hostage. Search for the missing is underway,” Awale said.

Police had taken the situation under control after holding talks with the agitated relatives of the victims who had staged demonstration on Thursday morning.

However, the situation turned tense after they returned in the afternoon and pelted stones at the police, Awale added.

“The situation is now under control,” he said.