Mangalsen, the district headquarters of Achham, remained tense on Monday following protests by locals over the death of 15-year-old Binod Shahi of Panchadewal Binayak Municipality-4.

Police fired 12 tear gas shells to bring the situation under control, said Inspector Kailash Bista, information officer at the District Police Office.

“Twelve police officers, including two female officers, have been seriously injured in a clash between the police and the protesting locals,” said Bista.

The protestors pelted stones at the public prosecutor’s office, said police.

“Reinforcement has been called from other districts to maintain peace and security in Mangalsen,” said Bista. “We have successfully cleared the road the protestors had obstructed since Sunday.”

Shahi, a tenth grader at a local school, had gone missing on May 31. He was found dead near Panchdewal Campus in Panchadewal Binayak Municipality-4 on June 4.

“We are still investigating. Mayor of Panchdewal Binayak Municipality Ambika Chalaune herself has come in contact with us,” Achham District Police Office Chief DSP Dangi said.

Chalaune is one of the accused in connection with the case.

According to Dangi, another accused had appeared before the police on Saturday evening along with newly elected mayor Chalaune.

Shahi’s family and relatives lodged an FIR against 13 people, including the newly-elected mayor on June 9. Police have already arrested five people in the case. The court has remanded seven people, including mayor Chalaune, in custody for two more days. The search for the remaining seven is also underway, Dangi said.

“Statements of the mayor and others are being processed,” said Dangi.