Rupandehi, March 25

Police have finally arrested an absconding convict involved in the murder of a couple in Rupandehi Butwal seven years ago.

Arjun Gautam of Saljhandi, Rupandehi, and three others had allegedly shot and killed trader Ramesh Bhandari and

his wife Asha Bhandari at Jaycees chowk of Butwal seven years ago. Though two of the suspects were arrested soon after the incident, Arjun Gautam and his brother Krishna were absconding.

According to DSP Dilli Narayan Pande, spokesperson for District Police Office, Rupandehi, Arjun was arrested from India in coordination with the Indian police.

Earlier, the court had convicted Arjun Gautam of the murder and sentenced him to life in prison, along with confiscation of all his property. Gautam, who also had a red corner notice issued against him was brought to Nepal yesterday and made public at the District Police Office, Rupandehi, today. DSP Pande said Arjun would be sent to prison tomorrow.

“As the court was closed due to public holiday today, he has been kept in detention at the District Police Office,” he said, adding police were searching for his brother Krishna, who was also involved in the incident. The four convicted of the murder had fled with Rs 518,000 from the couple’s possession after killing them. While Ramesh had received two bullets, Asha had been shot once.  The murder took place on June 23, 2010.