A sub-engineer from the Infrastructure Development Office in Bhojpur was assaulted by a group of local labourers for raising concerns over the quality of an under-construction road project during a site inspection. The injured engineer is undergoing treatment in Biratnagar.

The incident occurred on June 29 at the construction site of the Bhojpur-Manebhanjyang-Baikuntha-Basikhola-Balangkha-Ranitar road.

According to Uttam Narayan Kharel, acting chief of the Infrastructure Development Office, Dhankuta, the dispute began after sub-engineer Anand Kumar Sah questioned the quality of a retaining wall being built along the road.

Kharel said the argument escalated, and workers attacked Sah with a wooden plank, causing a head injury.

Sah was initially taken to Bhojpur District Hospital for treatment. As the hospital was unable to provide the required medical care, he was referred to Morang Cooperative Hospital in Biratnagar, Morang.

Kharel said Sah is now out of danger.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Raju Lama of the Bhojpur District Police Office, the confrontation erupted after Sah warned that the retaining wall would have to be demolished because of poor construction quality and that payment for the work would not be released.

Police said their preliminary investigation indicates that the workers became enraged by the warning, leading to the assault in which Sah was struck with a wooden plank.

Police have detained six people in connection with the incident. They have been identified as Gyan Bahadur Rai, Durga Prasad Rai, Pradip Rai, Nirajan Bogati, Pritam Rai and another individual.

The suspects are being investigated on charges of disorderly conduct.

DSP Lama said another person allegedly involved in the assault has not been taken into custody because of age-related legal provisions and is being investigated in accordance with the law.

He said the final nature of the criminal charges will depend on Sah’s medical examination report.

“If the medical report confirms only minor injuries, police will proceed with a case of disorderly conduct. If serious injuries are established, the suspects will instead face charges related to causing grievous bodily harm and assault,” Lama said.

Meanwhile, the Infrastructure Development Office, Dhankuta, has issued a statement condemning the attack on the sub-engineer while he was carrying out his official duties.

In the statement, Kharel called for adequate physical security for government employees, proper treatment for the injured sub-engineer, and legal action against those responsible for the assault.