Siraha, July 5: Clash between local entrepreneurs and police at Lahan in Sihara district this morning left at least five police personnel and two dozen entrepreneurs injured.

 The clash ensued after the entrepreneurs obstructed the highway by protesting the manhandling by police on Lahan based hotelier Sunil Saha, former chairman of Lahan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Niras Chaudhary, and chairman of the Contractors’ Association Bishal Saha.

Police personnel on plain clothes had attempted a raid in the hotel of Sunil last night based on a tip-off that a gang of criminals were taking shelter in it.   But police had thrashed a dozen entrepreneurs and guests after they prevented the police from raiding.

After the clash, tension ran high in Lahan and the market area is completely shut down. The irate entrepreneurs have vandalized dozens of vehicles after the police interference. However, the police managed to resume the vehicular movement.