Kathmandu, 20 May: In Kathmandu’s Gokarneshwar, a minor dispute between two groups escalated into a deadly brawl, resulting in the death of a young man. On the night of Baisakh 30 (May 12), around 9 PM, a group of five individuals assaulted 37-year-old Balindra Prakash Rai, a resident of Sundarijal. He later died during treatment at KMC Hospital in Sinamangal.
Rai had been drinking local liquor with his friends at a tavern in Gokarneshwar Municipality–2. Around 9 PM, five young men entered the tavern, asked for cigarettes, and sat at a nearby table. Rai, speaking to his friends, remarked, “Why are the kids sitting here?”
According to SP Apil Bohara of Kathmandu District Police, this comment triggered a dispute between the two groups. He told RatoPati, “Our investigation suggests that the other group took offense to being called ‘kids,’ which led to a confrontation that ultimately turned into murder.”
Angered by the comment, the other group began attacking. Though Rai’s group tried to resist, they were overpowered. DSP Jayashwar Rimal of the Boudha Police Circle told RatoPati that CCTV footage showed the deceased being struck with an object. “We have arrested all five suspects involved and are conducting an investigation,” he said.
The CCTV footage also shows Rai picking up a bottle after the fight began. During the clash, he sustained serious head injuries. After the attackers fled, police took Rai to Nepal Medical College and later transferred him to Kathmandu Medical College for surgery, where he passed away.
Police have obtained a remand from the court and are investigating the case. The arrested suspects are:
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Prabin Tamang (29), originally from Sunapati Rural Municipality–4, Ramechhap, currently residing in Gokarneshwar
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Samir Waiba Tamang (23), from Bagmati Rural Municipality, Sarlahi
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Abhishek Waiba Tamang (26), also from Sarlahi
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Dipendra Bhujel (29), from Indrawati Rural Municipality–6, Sindhupalchok
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Anurag Tamang (28), from Chaurideurali, Kavrepalanchok
All are currently in custody and under investigation.
