UML leader brandishes gun at Republic Day event
The incident occurred during a candlelight event organized by the UML on Thursday evening in Katahariya Bazaar to mark Republic Day.
KATHMANDU: A video showing CPN-UML leader Kundan Kushwaha brandishing a firearm at a public event in Rautahat has gone viral, sparking widespread criticism and concern.
The incident occurred during a candlelight event organized by the UML on Thursday evening in Katahariya Bazaar to mark Republic Day.
Kushwaha, who is a central committee member of the UML and a former provincial assembly member from Madhesh Province, appeared at the event armed with a rifle.
Footage circulating on social media shows Kushwaha attempting to fire the gun into the air.
When the weapon failed to discharge, he handed it over to another individual, who was then seen walking away with it through the crowd.
The public display of a firearm at a peaceful, civic celebration has drawn heavy backlash. It remains unclear whether the weapon Kushwaha carried was licensed.
Rautahat police spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Deepak Rai, said he was initially unaware of the incident. “If it is confirmed that Kushwaha carried a gun to the program, an investigation will be launched and the Chief District Officer will take necessary action,” DSP Rai stated.
