KATHMANDU: Nepal Students Union (NSU) cadres at the Changunarayan-based Nepal Engineering College (NEC) claimed responsibility for an assault on the Union President and lawmaker Ranjit Karna.

Karna was reportedly manhandled by some persons at his residence in Handigaun of Kathmandu on Tuesday.

Organising a press conference today, NSU NEC Unit Committee Secretary Ashesh Shrestha said his members were forced to resort to the assault after Karna did not pay heed to their demands put forth repeatedly.

Shrestha, however, denied media reports that claimed an armed gang assaulted the leader.

Meanwhile, the NEC Unit Committee accused Karna of working against interests of students for huge financial benefits.

Karna removed the elected president Khagendra Karki at the Unit Committee and appointed another person after he was paid a "big money" by the College for agreeing to increase fees for the next academic session, the cadres claimed.