DANG, JULY 13
Police have arrested a ward member of Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City for allegedly assaulting an education officer by pouring used engine oil (mobil) on him in an alleged attempt to disrupt a school management committee election.
Lekhnath Budhathoki, also known as Uttam, 42, a ward member of Ghorahi Ward No. 15, was arrested on Monday by a team from the District Police Office, Dang.
According to police, Budhathoki stopped Education Officer Ajaya Bohora, who was travelling on a motorcycle to Padmodaya Public Model Secondary School on July 11 to serve as the election officer for the school's management committee election, and poured engine oil over his body.
Police said Budhathoki had been absconding after the incident. A case of degrading and inhuman treatment was registered on Saturday, following which the Dang District Court issued an arrest warrant. He was subsequently arrested while in hiding in Ghorahi-15.
The incident sparked protests from employees of Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City, who issued a joint statement demanding legal action against the ward member.
Budhathoki had been opposing the school management committee election, claiming it was unlawful. He reportedly said he was compelled to violate the law after his objections to the election went unaddressed.
District Police Office, Dang spokesperson DSP Dr Hem KC said Budhathoki has been taken into custody and further investigation into the case is underway.
