Kathmandu: A tumultuous incident unfolded in Balkumari, Lalitpur today, resulting in the arrest of 73 individuals by the police. Regrettably, two individuals injured in the incident have lost their lives, while seven others, including four Armed Police personnel and three demonstrators, sustained injuries.

According to the local administration, Chief District Officer of Lalitpur, Rudra Prasad Pandit, provided updates, stating, "A total of 73 individuals, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Further investigation into the matter is currently underway." The cause of death for one individual who was shot and another with a chest injury will be determined following post-mortem examinations. The deceased have been identified as Birendra Shah of Doti and Sujan Rawat of Dailekh.

The incident erupted as youths staged a demonstration, reportedly due to being denied participation in the Employment Permit System (EPS) examination for Korean employment. The protest escalated, leading to agitators setting fire to a vehicle belonging to Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala.

In response to the escalating situation, the police deployed tear gas and fired shots in the air. Subsequently, the Home Ministry has formed a three-member committee to investigate the Balkumari incident. Led by Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Lalmani Acharya, the committee includes Assistant Chief District Officer of Lalitpur, Amar Deep Sunuwar, and Deputy Director of Investigation at the National Investigation Department, Basu Sigdel as members.

Expressing grief over the incident, the Home Ministry's press release emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation into the vandalism, arson, physical damage, and casualties that occurred during the incident. The probe committee has been tasked with submitting its report within seven days.