KATHMANDU, Dec 20: Preliminary police investigation states that personal enmity was the reason behind the murder of Rupandehi District Chairman of UML-aligned Youth Association of Nepal (YAN), Durga Tiwari.
A highly-placed police source said that the law enforcement agency suspects that the murder was executed by a gang led by Manoj Pun Buda Magar.
Magar is said to be living in India. The source added that personal enmity between Tiwari and Magar might have led to the murder.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Upendra Kanta Aryal told Republica Online that a special police team from Nepal Police Headquarters too is investigating the case along with the local police. He added that the team will reach the incident site today. Aryal said that no arrests were made till yesterday evening.
“Till now, political motive for the murder hasn’t been established,” said Aryal.
Two motorcycle-borne assailants had opened fire at the 40-year old Tiwari in Khairani, Devdaha-6 of the district while he was heading to Butwal Municipality together with his friend Khushi Neupane.
Rupandehi Police said that they are investigating the case taking account of a phone call made claiming responsibility for the murder soon after the incident.
Magar was earlier associated with YAN. He had faced a disciplinary action from the youth wing of CPN-UML for misconduct. Magar had fled to India after police nabbed some of his gang members.
The gang was involved in threatening businessmen for money. Police said that Magar had telephoned Tiwari a few days ago demanding money.
Police play down political motive in Tiwari murder