Relatives of those arrested on suspicion of their involvement in the Tikapur incident staged a demonstration in Dhangadhi on Saturday, demanding their immediate release. Stating that the incident is a political one, the protesters demanded the government withdraw cases against innocent people. Eight policemen and a toddler died when protest turned violent on August 25, 2015. The local administration filed cases against 123 people for their alleged involvement in the incident. Twenty-six among the accused are now in Kailali prison. The protesters demonstrated in front of the District Administration Office. The protest programme was jointly organised by the Sanghiya Gathabandhan Tharuhat/Tharuwan Joint Struggle Committee and the families of the people arrested in connection with the incident. “A case has been filed against innocent people as well. The government is biased about the Tikapur incident,” said Himadevi Chaudhary of Thapapur-7. She said that the state did not take any action against those who torched and vandalised the houses and properties of Tharu people in the aftermath of the incident.