Kathmandu – A ward chairperson elected from the Congress party physically assaulted leaders of the National Independent Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party – RASWA) in Syangja district. On Tuesday, Sunil Khanal, ward chairperson of Waling Municipality-10, attacked RASWA leaders Megh Ale and Dinkar Nepal with a rod.
Megh Ale is a central committee member of RASWA, and Dinkar Nepal is a prominent local activist. The two leaders had been leading a campaign to stop illegal extraction activities along the Andhikhola river. On the same day, they formed a struggle committee to address this issue.
Incident and Police Investigation
While returning from the committee event, the leaders were intercepted in Waling-9, Surkaudi area, where Ward Chairperson Khanal assaulted them with a rod.
Dinkar Nepal stated that Khanal had threatened them before and deliberately blocked their path prior to the attack. “While speaking out against the exploitation of Andhikhola, the ward chairperson threatened us and physically attacked us with a rod. I blocked the rod with my hand and was protected because I was wearing a helmet,” Nepal said.
Following the attack, the victims filed a formal complaint with the police. DSP Prashannraj Chaudhary, spokesperson for the Syangja District Police Office, confirmed a case has been registered and Khanal is being searched for.
“He is not in contact. Local police and district personnel have been deployed for his search,” DSP Chaudhary said. Police visited Khanal’s home on Tuesday but did not find him and have contacted his family. His personal phone remains off, though the official line was active on Wednesday morning.
Municipal spokesperson Padamraj Gurung said discussions were underway to understand the incident and that further comments would be made only after investigation.
Demands of the Activists and Local Impact
The activists had announced a three-point demand with the formation of the struggle committee on Tuesday:
Form a committee of conservationists, experts, and municipal representatives to establish uniform policy on riverbed material usage and deliver clear policy within two months.
Publicly disclose all documents and decisions related to extraction and consult with locals for solutions.
Immediately construct embankments to protect agricultural lands at risk from extraction activities within the Waling area.
This incident highlights concerns about local governance, public safety, and environmental protection. Police have assured prompt investigation and legal action against those responsible.
