DHADING, July 14

Chandra Bahadur Bishwokarma of Katunje was found dead in Dhading on Sunday, seven months after his two daughters were murdered.

An unidentified group murdered Bishwokarma by slitting his throat while he was sleeping in his house on Sunday afternoon, informed DSP Prakash Malla.

“The murderers killed him while he was asleep and no other family member was at the house. His death, seven months after the murder of his two daughters has made the case even more mysterious,” said DSP Malla.

According to police, the victim’s parents and wife had gone to their farm when he was murdered. Preliminary investigation suggested that Bishwokarma must have been killed by someone who was acquainted with the family.

DSP Malla said neighbours had informed the police after they saw blood at Bishwokarma’s house in the afternoon.

“A police team has started interrogating locals. However, we are yet to confirm who committed the crime and the motive behind the crime,” said Malla. The victim’s family members suspect he was killed by the same people who had murdered his daughters.

Bishwokarma’s daughters — seven-year-old Elina and five-year-old Ranjita had died after consuming poison-laced titaura (spicy candy), on December 22, 2014, according to an FIR filed at the police office.

Rights activists from Dalit communities in the district have raised concern about the incidents. They have given 24-hour ultimatum to the administration demanding that the guilty be arrested.