Kathmandu, January 20

Nepal Police said it had mobilised all its units to arrest newly elected provincial assembly member Rajib Gurung alias Dipak Manange, who has been convicted in an attempt to murder case.

Manange, who has been elected to provincial assembly of Province 4 is supposed to attend the swearing in ceremony set for tomorrow in Pokhara, the temporary headquarters of the province.

Five years ago Patan Appellate Court had imposed a five years jail-term on Gurung for attempting to murder Milan Gurung alias Chakre Milan in 2007. The verdict is final as Gurung lapsed his time to file a memorandum of appeal against his conviction.

Spokesperson for Nepal Police DIG Manoj Nepuane said all units of the police throughout the country had been alerted to arrest Manange following the SC’s verdict. “Since the court has held Manange guilty of attempt to murder, we do not need to issue separate circulation to arrest him”, Neupane said.

Newly appointed Governor of Province 4 Baburam Kunwar, however, said he had not received any legal notice about not administering the oath of office and secrecy to Manange.  “As per the laws, I will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the eldest member of the Provincial Assembly. So it’s up to the eldest member to take a call on Manage” he said.

As per the provision, the eldest member of Province 4 assembly, Janak Lal Shrestha would administer the oath of office and secrecy to the newly elected members of the provincial assembly.

Shrestha was elected to provincial assembly of Province 4 from constituency B of Nawalparasi Susta East. Shrestha said he had no knowledge about Manange case.