KATHMANDU: Police on Sunday said an absconding murder suspect was arrested after two-and-half months of the crime, from Kathmandu.

Ambar Prasad Khatiwada (27) of Gongabu, Kathmandu was arrested on December 24. He, a labourer, is a permanent resident of Kanku-7, Solokhumbhu district.

Khatiwada on October 15 had attacked his fellow worker Yubaraj Gurung (25) of Tokha Municipality-15, Kathmandu with a stone, hitting on different parts of his body over a dispute, leaving him severely injured.

Gurung, a permanent resident of Thalajung of Gorkha district, breathed his last while being treated at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital the next day.

Police said Gurung had met with Khatiwada, who was under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, while he was heading home near Mahadevtaar and a dispute had started between them when Gurung asked him about his wage. Earlier, Khatiwada had asked their contractor Resham Khatri to pay wages of both of them to him.

With a motive to abscond, he had left Gurung behind, headed to his room and slept. When Gurung’s brother Milan and a friend arrived at his place inquiring about the victim's whereabouts, Khatiwada had gone with them in search of Gurung to stay out of their radar.

Police said they have sent Khatiwada to the Metropolitan Police Crime Division, in Teku for further investigation.