Clash in Birgunj as Security Personnel Raid Warehouse Over Suspected Revenue Evasion

Rautahat — A clash broke out between local traders and a joint monitoring team in Adarshnagar, the main commercial hub of Birgunj Metropolitan City, during a raid on a warehouse suspected of housing evaded revenue goods. One Armed Police Force (APF) personnel was injured after the situation turned tense during the operation conducted by the APF and the Birgunj Customs Office.

According to APF Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bikash Adhikari of the Proposed Border Security Force, Birgunj Customs, the joint team reached the warehouse based on specific information. The dispute began when local traders protested as the team attempted to start the search.

The traders claimed they possessed valid invoices for the goods and accused the authorities of harassment without cause. The APF stated that the crowd turned violent and pelted stones at security personnel after the team attempted to seize goods despite being shown the bills.

The stone-pelting resulted in a shattered windshield of a security vehicle and injuries to one personnel, who is currently receiving treatment at a local health facility. Following the incident, security has been significantly tightened in the Adarshnagar area.

While the APF has seized a large quantity of goods from the warehouse, the detailed description and total volume of the recovered items have not yet been made public.

"Currently, we are in the process of inventorying the goods and preparing the legal documentation. We are also investigating the ownership of the warehouse," informed DSP Adhikari. Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohan KC of APF Nepal No. 13 Battalion Headquarters, Parsa, added that further investigation into the incident is underway.

Meanwhile, traders in Adarshnagar expressed strong dissatisfaction, alleging that the state is treating legitimate business owners like smugglers.