BIRATNAGAR: Tension flared in Biratnagar-18 on Friday after relatives and local residents obstructed police from recovering the body of a 14-year-old boy who was found dead in a pond, prompting police to use batons to disperse the crowd.

The deceased, Manjit Kumar Yadav of Budhanagar, Jahada Rural Municipality-1, Morang, was found floating in the pond at around 10:30 AM, according to Morang Police. Police said the body was later taken to Koshi Hospital for a post-mortem after the situation was brought under control.

Relatives and locals demanded action against the police team they alleged had chased the teenager and sought compensation for the family. They blocked the road and refused to allow the body to be taken until their demands were addressed.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Santosh Shreshtha, officers used a baton charge after protesters continued to obstruct the recovery process. The crowd later dispersed and the situation returned to normal.