Three More Arrested in Assault Case Against Maoist Candidate During Campaigning

Parasi. Police have arrested three more individuals on allegations of misbehavior and assault against Raju Harijan, a candidate from the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), during an election campaign.

According to the District Police Office, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), on the evening of Falgun 5, an unidentified group of individuals assaulted candidate Harijan while he was campaigning in Jamunia, Ward No. 12 of Bardaghat Municipality, and subsequently fled. Based on initial information and investigation of the incident, a joint team from the Area Police Office, Bardaghat, and the Temporary Police Post, Bhatauliya, apprehended the absconding accused from their respective homes.

Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police Bir Dutta Pant stated that the police arrested 22-year-old Dipin Thapa, 19-year-old Ayush Rana Magar, and 18-year-old Raj B.C. alias Ram Mijar, all residents of Dhanewa, Ward No. 13 of Bardaghat Municipality, at around 11 PM on the night of Falgun 6.

Police stated that the three, who were absconding after misbehaving with the candidate, were found hiding. All three arrested individuals are currently being held in the custody of the Area Police Office, Bardaghat, as further investigation proceeds.

Previously, police had arrested 31-year-old Ajay Gautam from Dhanewa, Ward No. 13 of Bardaghat. Candidate Harijan alleged that a group of 10-12 youths, claiming to be Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) cadres and intoxicated, carried out the attack.