Eight persons have been injured in a dispute over drinking water at Athabiscot Municipality-3 in Rukum West. The condition of three of the injured is critical and they have been referred to Surkhet, said Thak Bahadur KC, DSP of District Police Office. The locals of Taligaun and Mathigaun of Khadi clashed on a dispute over the drinking water source of the municipality's ward no.3. 

According to KC, 46-year-old Madan Bahadur Bhandari, 27-year-old Ganesh Bohara, and 44-year-old Gopal Bohara have been referred to Aathabiskot Municipal Hospital for further treatment. Similarly, 28-year-old Dilkumari Yari Thapa, 61-year-old Ananta Budha, 60-year-old Amrit Bohara, 46-year-old Mohan Bohara, and Shashi Ram Bohara sustained minor injuries.

"An investigation is underway to find out who was involved in the incident," KC said, "It is understood that ward chairman Keshar Man Vikas is also involved in the incident." The search for those involved in the incident is on-going.