Sadhu Arrested for Murder at Pashupatinath Temple

Kathmandu. Police have arrested a sadhu who fled after murdering a youth in the Pashupatinath temple complex. The arrested person is Subin Ranamagar, known as Drabynath. 

The police investigation concludes that the accused was involved in the murder of 25-year-old Santosh Giri, a native of Sankhuwasabha, on Falgun 6, 2082, in the temple complex. He was arrested on Friday from Gaushala Municipality-6, Mahottari, and brought to Kathmandu, SSP Santosh Khadka of the Valley Crime Investigation Office told Ratopati.

Santosh Pariyar, known as Santosh Giri, was found dead at Shiva-15 in the Pashupati temple complex, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-8. Police investigation concludes that he was murdered by being struck with tongs and a bamboo split. Preliminary police investigation revealed that during the Mahashivaratri festival, he had an argument with a group of Indian sadhus, including Nirajnath, and the group together attacked and killed him with objects like tongs.

In connection with the murder, police had previously arrested and investigated 48-year-old Niraj Nath from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, and 23-year-old Saroj Tamang, known as Ashirwad Nath Yogi, from Baitehswor Rural Municipality, Dolakha.

After murdering Giri on Falgun 5, the main accused Drabynath headed towards India via Balkhu, according to police officers involved in the investigation.