The family of Yuvaraj Niraula, 20, from Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City-2 has alleged that he died in police custody on 25 July 2025 due to severe beating by police. The aggrieved party has alleged that Yuvaraj was killed in police custody of Area Police Office Dharan. He was arrested with narcotics on 24 July by the Tinkune Police Station in Dharan. Khagendra Subedi, a neighbor of the deceased, stated that Yuvaraj was severely beaten to death while in custody on 25 July.
Santosh Niraula, the victim’s brother, mentioned that the police delayed informing the family. When they did, they said that Yuvaraj is in critical condition, and called them to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Ghopa immediately. When they reached the hospital on 26 July, the victim was unconscious and bleeding from the head. Doctors at BP referred him to Birat Nursing Home, Biratnagar, stating further treatment was not possible there. Later, doctors at Birat Nursing also referred him to Birat Teaching Hospital. Yuvaraj died during treatment at Koshi Hospital on 27 July.
Santosh further stated that Deepak Katuwal, 22, a friend of the deceased from Belka Municipality-3 of Udayapur, informed the family that police took them under control during a check on 24 July and demanded a bribe of Rs. 8,000. When Yuvaraj said he had no money, police allegedly beat him severely.
DSP Ved Prakash Jawegu of the Area Police Office, Dharan, stated that Yuvaraj Niraula was arrested on 24 July with narcotics from the Tinkune area. According to him, the accused tried to escape during the arrest and sustained serious injuries after falling.
After the family refused to receive the body and staged a protest outside the Area Police Office Dharan on 28 July, DSP Jawegu assured a fair investigation into the incident and action against those found guilty. Following his commitment, the family received the body on 28 July.