KATHMANDU, Dec 3: Nepal Police Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday arrested the mastermind behind the murder of construction entrepreneur Sarad Kumar Gauchan.

A team of CBI arrested the mastermind Samir Man Singh Basnet, 32, from Chitwan on Saturday, said CBI chief DIG Pushkar Karki. Basnet was made public at a press conference in Kathmandu by the CBI.

Gauchan, chairman of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) was shot to death in broad daylight at Kharibot Prayagmarg in New Baneswor, Kathmandu on October 9 while he was on his way to his office in Anamnagar.

According to the police, the findings of the preliminary investigation into the case shows that Kumar Shrestha (Ghainte) and Samirman Singh both had share in the Danfe Construction operated by Gauchan. Gauchan and Basnet had disputes over the share in the name of Ghainte following the latter’s death in police action in 2015. Gauchan had reportedly taken Rs 25 million from Ghainte, and Basnet had the claim that of the amount, Ghainte had borrowed Rs 10 million from him to invest in the construction company owned by Gauchan.

Basnet had also demanded 2 percent commission from Postal Highway construction contract from Gauchan.

But after Gauchan refused extortion of money and shares, Basnet masterminded his murder. The police have already arrested five persons in this connection.

The police have also claimed Basnet and his gang’s alleged involvement in the murder of Durga Tiwari, chairman of CPN-UML aligned Youth Association Nepal, Rupendahi chapter. Tiwari was shot to death in Rupendahi on December 19 last year. Likewise, police have suspected Basnet’s involvement in the shooting of gangster Dawa Lama at Divya Party Palace in Nayabasti area earlier this year in April.

KATHMANDU, Oct 12: The last rites of Sharad Kumar Gauchan, President of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) have been performed at Pashupati Aryaghat on Thursday.

Gauchan was shot dead by four unidentified assailants when he was on his way to office at Anamnagar in the Capital. Gauchan’s last rite was performed according to Hindu religious tradition. Gauchan’s son Sanskar lit the funeral pyre, said the deceased’s uncle Omkar.

Gauchan’s body was kept at the FCAN’s office at Anamnagar from 10 am to 1 pm earlier on Thursday, and at Thakali Sewa Samaj Office later that day from 2 pm to 4 pm for paying last tribute to him.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Home Minister Janardan Sharma, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Bikram Bahadur Pandey, Nepali Congress leader Prakash Man Singh, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Pampha Bhusal among others paid tribute to Gauchan.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba draped the national flag over Gauchan’s body. Around 500 motorcycles led the funeral procession of Gauchan. RSS

KATHMANDU, Oct 12: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Thursday paid final tributes to Sharad Kumar Gauchan, chairman of the Federation of Contractors Association Nepal (FCAN). Gauchan was shot dead by an unidentified group in the capital on Monday.

PM Deuba reached FCAN’s office, Anamnagar and extended tributes by wrapping his body with the national flag. On the occasion, Prime Minister also expressed condolences to members of the bereaved family.

Similarly, Home Minister Janardan Sharma and Minister of State for Home Affairs Shyam Kumar Shrestha and other political party leaders and well wishers also paid their last respect to Gauchan. His body has been kept at the FCAN office premises for those wishing pay final tributes.

His last rites will be performed following Thakali tradition later today, according to FCAN associate member Shivahari Ghimire. RSS

Photos: Mukunda Kalikote

KATHMANDU, Oct 12: Bereaved family has received the dead body of Sarad Kumar Gauchan, Chairperson of Federation of Contractors’ Association of Nepal (FCAN) on Thursday. Gauchan, 57, was shot to death by an identified group while he was on the way to FCAN office from his residence in New Baneshwor, Monday afternoon.

Gauchan’s family agreed to receive the dead body after the Home Ministry was positive to declare Gauchan a martyr and assured to table the proposal in the cabinet. The Home Ministry has also pledged to provide full security to the entrepreneurs.

The FCAN, condemning the murder, has raised serious concerns over the law and order situation of the capital city and has claimed that the incident occurred due to government’s negligence towards public security. The FCAN has also started protest across the country demanding prompt action against the culprits.

The Contractors’ Association has also called for traffic halt in main highways on Friday in protest of the murder of Gauchan.

PM Deuba reached FCAN’s office, Anamnagar and extended tributes by wrapping his body with the national flag. On the occasion, Prime Minister also expressed condolences to members of the bereaved family.

Similarly, Home Minister Janardan Sharma and Minister of State for Home Affairs Shyam Kumar Shrestha and other political party leaders and well wishers also paid their last respect to Gauchan. His body has been kept at the FCAN office premises for those wishing pay final tributes.

His last rites will be performed following Thakali tradition later today, according to FCAN associate member Shivahari Ghimire.

Photos: Mukunda Kalikote