One injured in Biratnagar casino brawl: altercation erupts over gambling dispute
The incident took place around 1:30 am at the Ratna Hotel's casino in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-11, as reported by the Koshi State Police Office.
KATHMANDU: A conflict erupted among Nepali youths leaving from a Biratnagar casino, resulting in injuries to a young man.
The incident took place around 1:30 am at the Ratna Hotel’s casino in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-11, as reported by the Koshi State Police Office.
According to DSP Ranjan Kumar Dahal, a scuffle ensued between inebriated youths involving a khukuri (traditional knife) and motorcycle helmets, leading to the injury of 31-year-old Ronal Kandel from Biratnagar-11.
DSP Dahal stated that Kandel is undergoing treatment at Birat Nursing Home for severe injuries to his head and left ear, requiring 12 stitches on his head and 5 stitches on his ears.
The police have arrested 38-year-old Bikram Thapaliya of Ghailadubba, Jhapa who was residing in Biratnagar-8 in connection with the assault on Kandel.
“The police team promptly responded upon receiving information about the altercation among the youths,” Dahal mentioned.
Kandel and Thapaliya, along with other Nepali youths, entered the casino for gambling.
A dispute over money during gambling led to their expulsion by the casino bouncer, followed by a physical altercation involving khukuri and helmets within the casino premises.
Bouncers and security guards intervened, escorting the individuals out.
Despite legal restrictions on Nepalis entering casinos, reports suggest that Ratna Hotel in Biratnagar and the ‘Champion Zone’ casino at Big Hotel allow Nepali youths to engage in gambling. An employee of the casino noted, “Indian customers do not come regularly.
Nepalis arrive every day.” It appears that there is a mutual agreement among the parties involved to create an environment where Nepalis can access these establishments.
