Indian smuggler killed in firing by Nepal police, arms recovered

An Indian national was killed and a Nepali policeman injured in a heavy exchange of fire between police and an armed group of smugglers in central Rautahat district.

An Indian national was killed and a Nepali policeman injured in a heavy exchange of fire between police and an armed group of smugglers in central Rautahat district.

Nepal police cornered an arms smuggler based on a tip off, leading to a gun battle. The smuggler was killed in the cross fire. (Representative Photo)

Acting on a tip-off that a huge cache of arms was being smuggled into the district via the Lalbakaiya river embankment at Dewahi VDC-8, a police team reached the site, but the gang comprising of about four individuals opened fire at the team.

Police fired in retaliation, killing a gang member -- identified as 44-year-old Tejhilal Saha from Bihar -- and injuring a Nepali policeman, deputy superintendent of police Nabin Krishna Bhandari.

A rifle, a home-made pistol and some bullets were recovered from the deceased. Others in the group are on the run and search for them is underway.