The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has started investigation into the death of a local woman in Taponani, Sindhupalchowk district, in firing by an Armed Police Force (APF) man.

A two-member NHRC team left for Tatopani to investigate the death of Tara Tamang of Tatopani VDC-4 in firing by the APF official during a protest that ensued after police officials failed to take action against a Chinese national caught in hit-and-run case in the area on Friday.

36-year-old Tara was killed in the shooting and three-dozen others, mostly local residents, were injured in police action when the locals were protesting against what the locals called collusion of police in freeing the Chinese national who was arrested for hitting two local people, Kaji Tamang, and Khadga Bahadur Shrestha, with a Chinese government-owned Pajero vehicle he was driving.

Police said they released the Chinese citizen after he agreed to pay Rs 200,000 each to the injured Nepalis. They say the local trade union members were also involved in the negotiations.

A one-member probe panel is also investigating into the incident. Tatopani checkpoint remained closed on Tuesday as well as locals and tradesmen continued their protests.