Maoist leader Barshaman Pun's mother shot: Chinese pistol recovered from scene

KATHMANDU, April 15: It has been learned that Tirthamali Pun Magar, the mother of Maoist center leader Barshman Pun, was shot by a police assistant constable with his own pistol. Police Circle Maligaun has recovered a Chinese pistol 'Type-54' used at the scene of the incident.

Assistant constable Prakash Pun Magar who is working in the chief justice's security team went to the residence of the 74-year-old Tirthamali last night to celebrate the New Year. In relation, Tirthamali is his grandmother. During the family gathering, Prakash shot Tirthamali and escaped.

After shooting, he had left his pistol there. The team of Maligaun police circle recovered the pistol last night. An officer of the Valley District Police Range Kathmandu told Ratopati that 1 round was fired from the preliminary investigation. Chinese 'Type-54' pistols are being used by the policemen assigned to VIP security. Under normal circumstances, assistant constables are not allowed to carry pistols. However, an officer of the police headquarters informed that Prakash got a pistol because he was assigned to protect VIPs.

Assistant Constable Prakash Pun has been arrested by the police from Bagdol. The accused has now been taken to Naxal police headquarters for investigation. 

Barshaman Pun's mother was shot in the leg and is being treated at the trauma center.