An investigation team led by police inspector Diwakar Ghimire already began its work from yesterday. Today, it interrogated local journalists Dhanbir Dahal, Devendra Kumar Khadka and Tej Kumar Sharma. The team had quizzed cadres of YCL and the students of ANNISU-R yesterday. Central committee member of YCL Subodhraj Shrepali, YCL district in-charge Kripalal Pun and district member of ANNISU-R Dambar Bista were let go after an interrogation.

Chief District Officer Shambhu Prasad Marasini said the investigation team so far interrogated 14 persons in connection with the heinous crime. "We're in a process to catch the culprits," he added.

State Committee member of UCPN-Maoist Man Bahadur Oli "Sanjaya" said they were ready to accept any punishment but said their involvement has to be proved. Issuing a joint press release, district committee of YCL and ANNISU-R demanded an ‘independent’ and ‘scientific’ probe and warned against politicisation of the incident.

Meanwhile, members of the Rukum chapter of Federation of Nepali Journalists in a protest burnt the blade used to cut Bista's fingers. The protesting journalists displayed pen with a message that the pen was mightier than the sword. District treasurer of ANNISU-R Keshab Rawal threatened the participants in the protest.