A land dispute in Siraha district has claimed the life of a man, triggering protests by relatives and residents who have blocked the East–West Highway.

The deceased has been identified as Ajmuddin Sheikh, a resident of Karjanha Municipality-10. He was killed during a dispute over land at Manharwa Chowk on Sunday afternoon.

Following Sheikh’s death, his family members and local residents staged a road blockade on the East–West Highway, bringing traffic to a complete halt. Police efforts to reopen the highway have so far been unsuccessful.

According to the victim’s relative, Mohammad Saddam Hussein, landless families have been living on government-owned land at Manharwa Chowk for around 35 years. While they initially built makeshift houses, they had recently begun constructing concrete homes.

However, some locals owning land behind the settlement had been pressuring the settlers to vacate the area and stop building permanent structures. After the settlers refused, individuals including Bharosi Gai reportedly obtained a court injunction.

Although the court order directed that construction work be halted, locals alleged that Bharosi, along with Ramdayal Sah, Dinesh Mahaseth and others, vandalised houses on Sunday afternoon in the presence of police. When Ajmuddin Sheikh tried to stop them, Bharosi allegedly assaulted him, leading to his death.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajeshraj Puri of the Mirchaiya Area Police Office said police are searching for those involved in the incident and continuing efforts to restore traffic on the highway.