POKHARA: Law enforcement officers on Monday transferred Samirman Singh Basnet, mastermind behind the killing of Federation of Contractors’ Association of Nepal's Sharad Kumar Gauchan, from Nakhkhu Central Jail in Kathmandu to Mustang Prison.

Although authorities said that Basnet was transferred because of security concerns, a high level police official informed that Basnet was plotting other crimes from the central jail.

However, Department of Prison Management Director General Hari Mainali downplayed both assertions and said that the transfer was a routine procedure.

“It is a routine procedure in line with our plan to manage the prisoners. Basnet’s transfer happened in line with our plan,” the Director General said.

Police had arrested Basnet on December 2, 2017 for plotting and executing the murder of Gauchan on October 9, 2017 at Shantinagar in Kathmandu.

Moreover, security officials in Gandaki Province raised eyebrows over the decision to transfer a high-profile criminal accused of running crimes from prison in Kathmandu to a less secure facility in remote district of Mustang.

According to a law enforcement officer in Gandaki Province, police will face additional challenges to manage Basnet in dilapidated Mustang Prison.

The Mustang Prison, which is in bad shape for lack of renovation, houses nine felons and eight security officials at present.