The Special Task Force (STF) of Metropolitan Police Range Kathmandu (MPRK) had arrested him from New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. [break]
Basent, 23, of Dolakha, has reportedly revealed during an interrogation that he had been paid Rs 5,00, 000 for killing Lama. “I set on him as per my deal with the party,” investigative officials quoted him as saying during an interrogation.
One Arun Shedain, who allegedly employed Basnet to ´finish off´ Lama, was also arrested on Tuesday evening. “We are investigating the case and would get more insights soon,” said SP Puskar Karki, the MPRK chief.
Officials said that Basnet has been associated with Deepak Manage´s gang as well as the Kavreli group led by Ganesh Lama. Both the gangs have earned a bad image in the capital for their untoward activities.
Basnet was reportedly involved with groups who have invested on casino gamblers. Shedain is said to be the kingpin of the groups. Officials said that he employed Basnet with intent to killing Lama. “Shedain had a financial dispute with Lama,” they added.
Investigating officials said Basnet had tried to shoot at Lama but ended up stabbing him with a knife after his pistol failed to fire. Though Basnet has claimed it was his first attempt on Lama´s life as a ´contract killer´, officials said a thorough investigation is required to ascertain the veracity of his claim.
Basnet had taken refuge in Darjeeling, India for six months. He had sneaked into the capital´s criminal circle as a gangster while working for Thamel Kitchen Restaurant as a bouncer.
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