Rautahat, Feb 9: Tension flared in Adarshnagar, the main commercial hub of Birgunj Metropolitan City, after local traders clashed with a joint inspection team that arrived to raid a warehouse on suspicion of revenue evasion.

The incident occurred during a raid conducted by a joint team of Armed Police Force Nepal and the Birgunj Customs Office. An Armed Police Force personnel was injured after the situation escalated into stone pelting.

According to Armed Police Force Deputy Superintendent of Police Bikash Adhikari, of the proposed Border Security Force under Birgunj Customs, the joint team had reached the warehouse in Adarshnagar following special intelligence input. Tensions rose when the team began searching the premises and local traders objected to the operation.

Traders alleged that they were unnecessarily harassed, claiming they possessed valid invoices for the stored goods. However, the Armed Police Force stated that despite being shown invoices, the crowd became aggressive when security personnel attempted to take control of the goods, leading to stone pelting.

During the clash, the front windshield of an Armed Police Force vehicle was damaged, and one security personnel sustained injuries. The injured individual is currently receiving treatment at a local health facility. Following the incident, security has been heightened in the Adarshnagar area to prevent further unrest.

The Armed Police Force has seized a large quantity of goods from the warehouse, though officials have not disclosed the type or quantity of the seized items. “The process of recording the goods and preparing seizure documents is currently underway. An investigation is also being conducted to identify the warehouse owner,” DSP Adhikari said.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Mohan KC of Armed Police Force Nepal No. 13 Battalion Headquarters, Parsa, confirmed that a detailed investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Following the raid, local traders in Adarshnagar expressed strong dissatisfaction, alleging that the state is treating even legally operating businesses as smugglers, further fueling tensions in the area.