The government’s plan to move Dr KC to Kathmandu triggered sporadic clashes at KAHS. His supporters attempted to foil government officials move to shift him to the Capital.

Residents and KAHS students staged demonstrations soon after the NA helicopter landed in Jumla.

Chief Minister (CM) Mahendra Bahadur Shahi and Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Naresh Bhandari of Karnali Province reached the KAHS to transfer Dr KC to Kathmandu. However, they had to return as protesters barred them from entering the hospital. Police baton-charged soon after the CM and minister left the KAHS, leaving more than 20 doctors and students injured.

Some security personnel also sustained injuries in the clash. Police lobbed a few tear gas canisters to disperse the mob. Security personnel entered KAHS and thrashed the protesting students, doctors and patients’ attendants indiscriminately.

Dr Siddhartha Thami, who was involved in the treatment of Dr KC, specialist doctors Dr Sandip Shrestha and Dr Suryaman Limbu among other hospital staffers sustained injuries in the police action.

Police constable Kamal Acharya sustained severe injuries on his chest. Doctors treating him at the KAHS fear a bullet injury.

“A piece of iron was wedged in his chest. It could be a bullet,” said a doctor. However, DSP Tapan Kumar Dahal said Acharya sustained injuries as he was hit by a wooden plank with nails. Government officials said they were successful in rescuing Dr KC. “Now our focus is on treating him,” Minister for Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel said.