HETAUDA: Mystery surrounds the death of journalist and educator, 42-year-old Manohar Dhakal who was found lying dead by the roadside at Bhairav Hill, Hetauda on Wednesday.

According to the kin of the deceased, it is still unclear why he went to the incident site on that day. And law enforcement officers say, although preliminary investigation suggests that Dhakal succumbed to motorcycle accident injuries, no such incident has been reported in the area.

“Dhakal has died under mysterious circumstances as there were no accidents reported in the area that day,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Yagya Prasad Bhattarai said, “We have launched an investigation into the matter.”

Moreover, the deceased’s relatives suspect that he was murdered and the purported accident is a "cover-up".

According to police, Dhakal’s personal belongings including his wallet and bill-book were found scattered at the incident site while his bag was neatly placed aside.

Given that, the journalists in Hetauda have requested the administration to carry out an unbiased investigation.

Dhakal who was working as a lecturer and an active radio journalist is survived by his wife and a son.