CIB team searching for industrialist Pradeep Rungata for abetting suicide, suspected to be hiding in India

Published On: May 9, 2023 11:30 AM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


KATHMANDU, May 9: Police are investigating the death case of Shankar Prasad Kandel, a poultry businessman from Chitwan. In the preliminary investigation so far, other 'suspicious' parts of the incident have not been revealed. However, the incident seems to have been caused due to suicide incitement.

Kandel, a resident of Bharatpur-3 Belchok, was found dead at his office on May 2. The police also found a suicide note from the spot. The suicide note names two people associated with his business, based on which the police is investigating the incident. The police have arrested one person after receiving a complaint of inciting suicide. Similarly, another person is on the run. 

The people involved in the incident are Pradeep Kumar Rungata, vice president of Nepal Dana Udyog Association and Jeevan Rawal, a chartered accountant working in the company. Rawal was arrested on May 4 from Bara Jitpur Simara. He was arrested with the help of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) team. "We are investigating this incident," said Bagmati Province Police Chief DIG Kiran Rana.

On the other hand, Rungata is on the run. It is revealed that he is outside the country in the police investigation. The team of District Police Office Chitwan is investigating this incident. Similarly, the CIB team is also helping to search for the Rungata.

"We are also looking at people who are on the run. Based on the information received so far, he does not appear to be in Nepal," said a police officer. The police suspect that he is most likely hiding in India.

After receiving the complaint, Rungta was suspended from the position of vice-president until proven innocent by the Association. Rungata bought 85 percent shares of Anamol Feeds Pvt Ltd from Kandel a few months ago. It has been revealed that Rungata and Rawal exerted mental torture during the internal reconciliation.

In the new rule of the Criminal Code Act, which came into force on August 17, 2018, the case of incitement to suicide has been included. Section 185 of the Act provides that action will be taken if anyone encourages someone to commit suicide. After that, the police arrested people in such incidents and started investigating. The police have been investigating such incidents on the basis of suicide notes written by the deceased, videos, complaints filed by relatives, etc. 

The first evidence to arrest and investigate businessman Rungata is the suicide note found at the scene and thecomplaint of the victim's family.

Police investigation officials are looking for more evidence in the investigation of the incident. The police will arrest Rungta and after investigation, the file will be sent to the court through the public prosecutor's office. After that, if it is proved that he has encouraged suicide, according to section 185 of the Act, he will be imprisoned for a maximum of five years and fined up to Rs 50,000 or both.


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