Ward Chair & 4 others held for assaulting cooperative manager

KATHMANDU: Ward Chairperson of Tanahun, Bhimad Municipality-7, Prakash Shrestha, along with four others, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting Ram Babu Gaire, the manager of Bhimad Savings and Credit Cooperative.

The dispute arose after the cooperative auctioned off land pledged as collateral by Shrestha’s wife, Laxmi Kumari Shrestha.

She had taken a loan in 2076 but failed to repay it. Following this, Shrestha allegedly attacked the manager, prompting the police to detain the suspects on Monday and initiate an investigation.

According to the District Police Office, the arrested individuals are Prakash Shrestha, Ishwar Kumar Shrestha, Nitesh Shrestha, Napoleon Shrestha, and Bikal Shrestha.

The cooperative’s chair, Kajiman Shrestha, stated that Laxmi Kumari Shrestha had borrowed Rs 2.8 million in 2076 but did not pay either the principal amount or the interest. Despite multiple notices and calls, the borrower ignored the requests, leading the cooperative to auction the land as per legal procedures.

“When notices were sent to their home, they refused to accept them and even threatened the staff. Left with no choice, the management committee proceeded with legal action and auctioned the land,” said Chairman Shrestha.

He further clarified that the decision to auction was made by the management committee, and the manager was simply implementing the decision. However, the ward chair targeted the manager for carrying out his duties.

Manager Ram Babu Gaire reported that the attack occurred at around 9 AM while he was having breakfast. He and his family were assaulted by five individuals, leaving them traumatized and living in fear.

Inspector Poshan Thapa from Belchautara Area Police Office stated that the District Court has extended the detention of the accused by five days for further investigation.