Ten inmates, including the prison-appointed leader, were injured in a clash at Bardiya prison on Friday morning, authorities said.

Bardiya Hospital said four inmates sustained head injuries, with three requiring stitches. The rest had minor injuries. All are in stable condition, doctors said.

The cause of the clash was unclear until Friday evening. Prison chief Man Bahadur Saru said he was outside the facility on official duty during the incident.

The prison appoints a leader and an assistant leader from among the inmates each fiscal year. The latest appointments were made three days ago, during which phone access was restricted, said Ravi Kumar Tharu, the prison’s spokesperson.

“The fight reportedly began after inmates transferred from Kailali a month ago refused to follow internal rules,” Tharu said.

Six inmates have been taken into custody by the Bardiya District Police Office for further investigation.

The prison holds 425 inmates.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Chakra Bahadur Damarpal said no further details could be shared due to the sensitivity of the case.