DHANGADHI: Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic central committee member Laxman Tharu has been arrested for his alleged involvement in murder of eight police personnel and a child.

An angry mob on August 24 had killed eight on-duty cops including SSP Laxman Neupane and a two-year-old child during a demonstration carried out by local Tharus demanding a separate Tharuwan province.

Kailali Chief District Officer Mohan Chapagain said Tharu was held from the MJF-D party office in Bhairahawa of Rupandehi today.

Tharu had not appeared in the public since the Tikapur incident and police were looking for him.

The former Maoist combatant had defected to the MJF-D around four years ago.

So far, as many as 16 persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident. Police have filed a murder case against 14 of them.