Clash Erupts in Butwal Hotel: CPN-UML Cadres Accused of Attacking Rastriya Swatantra Party Members Over Alleged Vote Buying

Kathmandu. CPN-UML cadres attacked Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) cadres at Namobuddha Hotel in Butwal, Rupandehi, accusing them of distributing money.

Three people, including former mayor Chitra Bahadur KC of Sainamaina affiliated with the RSP, were injured in the attack. RSP candidate for Rupandehi Constituency No.-2, Sulabh Kharel, was staying at the hotel when UML cadres arrived, confronting them with the question, 'Why are you distributing money?'

Police stated that a dispute occurred between a group affiliated with UML, including Baburam Panthi, and RSP cadres. Rupandehi SP Janak Shahi told Ratopati that the fight took place at the hotel. He said, 'The identities of those who fought have been established, and we will bring them under the legal framework.'

RSP's proportional representation candidate Manju Bhusal stated that UML cadres attempted an attack while a meeting was underway. She said, 'UML cadres resorted to attack due to the mentality of defeat.'

Meanwhile, a local businessman in Butwal claimed that RSP members were at the hotel planning to distribute money, and a clash ensued when UML cadres arrived at that very moment. Speaking on condition of anonymity, and claiming to be an eyewitness, he said, 'They came with money. They couldn't manage to distribute it. They fled with the bag. They came in a planned manner.' He told Ratopati that the incident occurred just 100 meters ahead of him, and as he was preparing to film, one person managed to escape with the bag of money.

The Namobuddha Hotel where the clash occurred is located in front of the Butwal Bus Park. The House of Representatives election is scheduled for Thursday.

Responding to the incident, RSP candidate Sulabh Kharel said, 'Tomorrow's vote results will answer everyone.'

The Area Police Office, Butwal, has stated that it is investigating those involved in the assault.