Tensions broke out in Saptari district on Wednesday as police fired three rounds of tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators protesting the death of a local man in a police shooting the night before.

The unrest erupted in Kamalpur, ward 2 of Rajgadh Rural Municipality, where protesters had gathered in front of the District Police Office and District Administration Office, setting tyres alight and calling for justice.

The protest followed the death of Lalu Yadav, a 36-year-old man from the area, who was shot by police during a clash that broke out on Tuesday night.

Police had arrived in the border area to stop alleged liquor smuggling when a confrontation erupted between officers and residents. According to police, three rounds were fired during the altercation.

On Wednesday afternoon, police responded to the growing protest firing tear gas shells, causing demonstrators to scatter. Protesters claim at least three to four individuals sustained injuries in the chaos.

“We were demanding an impartial investigation into the killing, but police responded with force,” said a protester, adding that the community believes excessive force was used without justification.

Superintendent of Police Gautam Kumar KC said tear gas was deployed after protesters attempted to breach a security cordon by throwing stones at security officers.

“Four to five policemen were also injured in the clash,” he said, insisting that the situation is now under control.

Calls for accountability have intensified, with locals alleging that the police acted with undue aggression and are demanding an independent investigation. The broader context of the incident—a police effort to curb cross-border smuggling—has further complicated community relations, particularly in a region where tensions over enforcement have historically run high.

As of Wednesday evening, security has been tightened in Rajgadh, but anger continues to simmer in the community, with Yadav’s family and neighbours vowing to continue their protest until their demands are met.