Two locals were killed and five others seriously injured when clashes erupted between armed robbers and the locals of Chetnagar, Dumariya Matiaun VDC, of Rautahat district, Tuesday night.

A group of around 60 dacoits surrounded the village and looted property worth over Rs 3.5 million: ornaments, cash and clothes among other valuables from over 100 houses, reports quoted locals as saying.

The dacoits beat up villagers, including women and children.

Kapilmuni Timilsina of Chetnagar was killed on the spot while his cousin, Pushpa Raj Timilsina, died en route to Birgunj for treatment, when dacoits fired indiscriminately.

All the five injured persons are in a critical condition, sources said.

The gang looted the houses of Shiv Prasad Poudel, Pralhad KC, Dul Prasad Timilsina, Padam Timilsina, Dipak Timilsina, Ram Bahadur Maske and Hari Timilsina, among others.

The locals also complained that though they informed security forces based at Chandranigahapur, Garuda and Gaur on time, they could not reach the incident site so the villagers were compelled to retaliate.