Three alleged criminals were shot dead in an encounter with the police in the southern town of Birgunj Friday night.

The armed group clashed with the police at Adarshnagar Pragatinagar Tole. Three gang members died on the spot while two others were injured in the exchange of fire, reports said.

The police also recovered two homemade guns and ammunition from the gangsters.

Apart from armed insurgent groups like Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha, the criminal gangs have been giving sleepless nights to the local businessmen in Birgunj.

The Home Ministry has increased the police force in the town in view of growing abduction and abduction. nepalnews.com mk Feb 02 08