KATHMANDU: The President of Federation of Contractors' Association of Nepal Sharad Kumar Gauchan was shot dead in the Capital on Monday, while he was on his way to office at Anamnagar.

Four unidentified assailants on two motorcycles had first hurled bricks at Gauchan’s vehicle to break the windshield before shooting him at Kharibot in Shantinagar at around 3:00pm, according to police.

His driver, Ram Kumar Khadka, had then rushed Gauchan to the Civil Service Hospital in New Baneshwor, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, said police.

Additional Inspector General of Police Jaya Bahadur Chand informed that the gunmen had fired thrice, with the bullets piercing Gauchan’s chest and armpit.

Gauchan was just 50 metres away from his home when he was attacked. He was 57 years old. He is survived by a wife, two daughters and a son.

Though the gunmen and their bike numbers are yet to be ascertained, Chand informed that police had detained three men in possession of firearms in Jorpati today evening and further investigation was under way.

Police suspect involvement of Ramesh Bahun group and Manoj Pun group in today’s incident.

According to police, Ramesh Bahun group had reportedly asked for donations from FCAN President Gauchan recently.

Police also received a call from an unknown person, who claimed to be a member of Manoj Pun group. He took responsibility for the incident, AIG Chand said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Dibes Lohani informed that police had intensified a manhunt and beefed up security in Kathmandu Valley following the incident.

Meanwhile, domestic business organisations condemned the incident and urged the government to take action against the perpetrators at the earliest.

Issuing separate statements today, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries and Nepal Chamber of Commerce said such murder in broad daylight in the core area of the Capital was a threat to doing business in the country.

“At a time when the government claims to be doing the needful to promote investment and business in the country, today’s incident is an example of how insecure businessmen are in Nepal. The government should immediately nab the offenders and take action against them,” read the statements of these business organisations.

Following today’s incident, Gauchan’s family members and supporters have been staging protests along the New Baneshwor area demanding prompt action against the guilty.

Sharad Kumar Gauchan

Born on April 13, 1960 in Tukuche VDC, Mustang, Sharad Kumar Gauchan was among the seven toppers of the School Leaving Certificate exams in 1977. He completed certificate level in civil engineering from Pulchowk Engineering College in 1981. He established Danfe Construction Company in 1982. He was elected president of FCAN, the apex body of Nepali contractors, in 2014. Gauchan was also vice-president of International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Association.

(UPDATED)

KATHMANDU: The President of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN) Sharad Kumar Gauchan has been shot dead in Kathmandu today.

Two motorcycle-borne assailants had attacked Gauchan who was inside the vehicle at Kharibot in Shantinagar, KMC-32, this afternoon, according to police.

It has been learned that Gauchan sustained bullet injuries in his stomach.

Gauchan was rushed to the Minbhawan-based Civil Service Hospital where he breathed his last during the course of treatment, according to police.

Police have intensified the manhunt and beefed up security in the valley.

It is yet to establish the motivation behind the shooting, said police.