Key Takeaways:

• Two to three masked youths approached Paudel, smeared ink, and fled
• Paudel claimed attackers carried a red flag and pamphlets of 'Madhesh Mukti Abhiyan'
• No arrests yet; police investigation underway

RAUTAHAT, JULY 24 Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Ganesh Paudel was splashed with black ink by unidentified individuals during a public outreach programme in his home constituency in Rautahat on Thursday evening. The incident occurred after Paudel concluded a 'Meet the People' programme at Parsa in Gadhimai Municipality-7 and was preparing to leave the venue. According to eyewitnesses, two to three masked youths approached the lawmaker from behind, pretending to greet him before smearing black ink on his back. The group fled the scene under the cover of darkness before they could be apprehended. Paudel claimed the assailants were carrying a red flag and pamphlets, suggesting they were affiliated with a group identifying itself as the 'Madhesh Mukti Abhiyan.' Despite attempts by local residents and supporters to catch them, the suspects escaped. Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Paudel said a person known by the name 'Fagu' or 'Fugu' has surfaced during the preliminary investigation, although no arrests have been made so far. The incident has sparked concerns over the security of elected representatives attending public events. Local residents and stakeholders have called for an impartial investigation and legal action against those responsible.