Dholahiti gang fight case: 4 more held including hotel owner

KATHMANDU: The police have arrested four people, including the hotel owner, accused of killing two people during a gang fight on the day of Holi in Lalitpur’s Dholahiti.

Following a violent altercation during Holi festivities in Lalitpur’s Dholahiti area, resulting in the deaths of Pujan Rai from Panchthar residing in Khumaltar and Rowash Rai of Dharan residing in Dholahiti, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Ward No. 26, the local police have taken decisive action.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Lalitpur police announced the arrest of four individuals, shedding light on the tragic incident.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shekhar Khanal from the District Police Complex Lalitpur revealed that among those arrested were the owner of Deprspine Restaurant, Vijay Rai (31), a resident of Khotang Sakela Rural Municipality Ward No. 2 Sekhuwa & currently residing in Lalitpur Municipality-26, Jailkhel, and Sulabh Rai (30), the co-owner, hailing from Khotang Sakela Rural Municipality-2 Ratanchap who was currently residing in Lalitpur-15, Khumaltar.

Additionally, Vishal Haad Mukarung Rai (38) of Bhojpur Tyamkemaiyum Rural Municipality-2 Annapurna and was residing in Lalitpur-26 Jainkhel and Chhewihang Rai (25) of Kathmandu Gokarneshwar Municipality-11 and was residing in Imadol-6 Sanagaon were also apprehended.

However, one suspect, identified as Paju Gurung, remains at large, prompting an ongoing search operation.

The police clarified that eight other individuals are currently in custody for further investigation into the incident.

According to authorities, the dispute that led to the tragic events was rooted in an altercation over an old recipe, exacerbated by unruly behavior and verbal abuse.

The Lalitpur police have filed murder charges against the arrested individuals, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing, with additional suspects being scrutinized for their involvement in the incident.