Police in Rupandehi arrested two youths with a pistol following a clash during a Mahayangya (religious event) in Jitwapur village in ward 11 of Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality.

The altercation reportedly began after a group of youths harassed a young woman attending the event on Saturday evening. According to locals, the dispute broke out between youths from the host village and others from Mohasadd village in ward 5.

Superintendent of Police Pradeep Chhetri said that the Mahayangya has been ongoing since May 16.

In recent nights, youths from Mohasadd had been causing disturbances.

During the clash, local resident Bikram Singh, who is the personal secretary of Lumbini Provincial Assembly member Kanhaiya Baniya, was injured in his hand and leg. He is currently undergoing treatment at Bhim Hospital, Bhairahawa.

Police arrested 27-year-old Kamar Uddin Musalman and 26-year-old Roshan Ali Fakir in possession of an unlicensed homemade pistol. Further investigation is underway, said police.