All juveniles at the correction centre in Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, have been transferred to various centres across Kathmandu Valley following clashes, arson, and vandalism, police said.

Police stated the transfers were temporary, as the centre’s structures were damaged and rendered uninhabitable after the incident.

Superintendent of Police Surya Bahadur Khadka, chief of the Bhaktapur District Police Range, said eight juveniles were injured in the clash, which began around 9:45pm on Thursday. Twenty-two police personnel were also hurt while trying to control the situation. Seven injured juveniles were treated and discharged from Nepal Korea Friendship Municipality Hospital, while one remains under treatment.

Police said some juveniles attacked others, damaged the facility, and set fire inside. Firefighters brought the fire under control the same night. Stones were reportedly thrown at police from within the centre during the clash.

The centre houses 169 juveniles, of whom about 84 are over 18, including 24 girls, police added. Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal said the National Human Rights Commission would monitor the situation later.

A similar incident had occurred earlier at the facility, prompting concerns over security and management.

Earlier, on August 21 last year, 297 juvenile inmates in Bhaktapur clashed with security personnel, leaving 20 police officials and 15 juveniles injured. The incident followed the mysterious death of a minor.