Tensions between local residents and police escalated in ward 5 of Tripurasundari Municipality after 34-year-old Jun Rokaya of Lha village went missing.

The incident occurred on Friday evening near Chepke Bridge, close to the Karopgard Area Police Office. Police said they attempted to check Rokaya on suspicion of drug trafficking. Before the inspection could proceed, Rokaya panicked and jumped into the Thuli Bheri river, after which he went missing.

Locals alleged that the police had chased Rokaya, claiming their actions endangered his life.

Ward chair Nar Jhankri described the incident as extremely tragic, saying the village had lost a young man and a proper investigation was necessary.

Families of the missing youth visited the District Administration Office in Dunai on Saturday evening, demanding justice. In protest, locals announced a halt of transport across Dolpa for an indefinite period.

As the main district entry and exit points fall near the incident site, all vehicles have been halted, leaving passengers stranded. Locals said vehicles carrying patients and for urgent purposes are being allowed to pass.

The dispute escalated further on Saturday evening when agitating locals vandalised the area police office. Four police personnel who went out of contact during the unrest were later found hiding in local homes. Rokaya remains missing. Three police officers and several locals were reported injured.

The Karnali Provincial Police Office in Surkhet has formed a three-member investigation committee led by Superintendent of Police Ram Prasad Ghartimagar. The District Police Office said the team is already en route to the incident site.

Chief District Officer Bhimraj Koirala said the administration is committed to an impartial investigation and delivering justice. He urged locals to remain calm, avoid further vandalism, and cooperate with authorities for dialogue in coordination with the local government.

Following the incident, all ten police personnel posted at the Karopgard police office have been summoned to the district headquarters. Four officers directly involved in the incident are under supervision at the District Police Office, Dolpa.