According to Finance Minister Barshaman Pun, the cabinet meeting also decided to provide Rs 1 million in compensation to Poudel´s family members.[break]
Paudel, who worked for Avenues Television and the Rajdhani daily, was found dead in front of a hotel near the Birtamod bus park early Wednesday morning. His body was found on the road with fractured head and right hand. Initial investigation suggests he was thrown from the third storey of the hotel.
More than two dozen people have been arrested on suspicion of their involvement in the murder.
Journalists have taken out a rally in Dharan on Thursday to protest the killing of Paudel.
The rally, also attended by representatives from various political parties and professional organizations, passed through major thoroughfares of the town before converging into a corner assembly at Bhanu Chowk.
The protestors carried banners and placards demanding security to journalists, stringent action against those involved in Paudel´s killing and due compensation to the bereaved family.
Parties condemn murder
Various political parties and human rights organizations have condemned Paudel´s murder and have demanded stern action against the guilty.
Issuing separate press statements, they have also urged the government to provide compensation to the family of the victim.
Issuing a press statement, Nepali Congress Vice President Ram Chandra Paudel condemned the murder.
Similarly, CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal criticized the government for failing to ensure security to journalists. “The murder of a journalist presents a grim picture of law and order situation in the country," he said.
The People´s Front Nepal condemning the incident has urged the government to maintain law and order situation and end impunity. The party has also demanded stern action against the guilty.
Human Rights Alliance, a human rights group, has described the killing as blatant human rights violation.
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