BIRATNAGAR: An unidentified group of people shot at religious leader Srinibas Acharya in Biratnagar Metropolis-14 on Sunday morning.

Acharya was shot at around 2:00am. He had come to Biratnagar to attend the Shreemad Bhagvad Mahapuran, which was supposed to begin from today. He is undergoing treatment at Biratnagar-based Neuro Hospital. He was hit in the right arm.  Doctors involved in his treatment said he was out of danger.

According to SP Arun Kumar BC, preliminary investigation shows that two unidentified persons had shot at Acharya when he was heading towards the toilet. The programme organised by Religious Women Bhagvad Family was cancelled.

The organisers were all set to inaugurate the programme after kalash yatra in the morning. Birtanagar Metropolis Mayor Bhim Parajuli was invited as chief guest.

The Puran Organising Committee Chairperson Anita Dhakal said they had left for home after Acharya went to have meal at 11:00am. Acharya was rushed to Neuro Hospital after he could not be treated at Saptakoshi Nursing Home, according to Dhakal.

Acharya had reached the venue at 7:00pm yesterday evening with his aides. After taking stock of the venue, he had suggested making some changes at the site. After having meal at 11:00pm, Acharya had gone to bed. Arrangement had been made for Acharya to sleep inside the Ram Janaki temple.

Narayan Prasad Aryal and another aide were also there with Acharya.  Aryal said that Acharya went out to attend nature’s call alone in the morning. “We woke up when we heard the sound of gun fire,” Aryal said. Aryal said he had heard the sound of gun fire twice.

Police arrested two persons suspecting their involvement in the shooting.

(UPDATED)

Swami Acharya shot at

BIRATNAGAR: An unidentified group of people shot at Balsanta Swami Srinibas Acharya at 1:45 am today, police said.

Acharya, who sustained bullet injuries on his right upper body, has been receiving treatment at Biratnagar-based Neuro Hospital. He is reported to be out of danger.

Acharya was going out to use restroom when the incident occurred, said Superintendent of Police Arun Kumar BC.

Acharya was in Biratnagar to attend Shrimad Bhagwat Purana function at Ramjanaki Temple in Biratnagar-14.

Police are searching for the absconding shooters, said BC.