According to Man Bahadur Nepali, Rukum District Committee president of Nepali Congress, Khatri had received death threat a week before his body was found. [break]
Local leaders and cadres of Nepali Congress say that Khatri, Duli VDC president of Nepali Congress, was murdered by Maoist cadres Gaman Bahadur Khusari, Aal Bahadur Khusari and Tul Bahadur Devekota.
“The Maoists are envious of the progress made by Nepali Congress in the village and his murder is an act of revenge. We will not receive Khatri´s body until the criminals are brought under the purview of law,” added Nepali.
Nepali Congress, Rukum organized an assembly to protest his death on Wednesday in Musikot of Rukum district.
UCPN Maoist, on the other hand, organized a press conference and denied any involvement of Maoist cadres in Khatri´s death.
Sharun Bhathamagar, Rukum distirct in-charge of UCPN (Maoist) said, “Instead of seeking an independent investigation, Nepali Congress is trying to frame UCPN Maoist members.”
Khatri, who had gone missing since December 27, was found dead near the Ramri River in Duli VDC of the district on December 31.
The cadres of Nepali Congress and UCPN (Maoist) had clashed on December 16 at a local fair organized. Following the tussle, both parties had filed case at the District Police Office demanding action against the other.
The family members of Khatri have said that they would not cremate his body until the culprits are arrested and brought to justice.
Related story
Food crisis looms large as drought hits Madhesh districts
