BARDIYA, Dec 8: A young man was shot dead in Bardiya after reportedly demanding his money back from a friend who had taken cash promising to send him abroad.
The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Niraj Chaudhary of Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City–5, Dang. He was shot inside a restaurant in Rajapur Municipality–4 at around 11 AM on Sunday, police said.
According to Bardiya Police, Chaudhary is believed to have been killed by gunfire. He was rushed to Narsingh Home in Nepalgunj, Banke, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Banke police later informed Bardiya authorities about the incident.
Chaudhary had gunshot-like wounds on both sides of his cheeks; confirmation will come after the postmortem, police said. Police launched an investigation immediately after learning about the case.
Likewise, two suspects have been detained for questioning, while the primary accused remains at large.
Police have identified the main accused as the operator of “Hamar Tharu Ghar & Restaurant,” located in Rajapur. The accused, who is also from Dang, is believed to have shot Chaudhary inside the restaurant and fled the scene.
Chaudhary ran a poultry farm near the restaurant, and both men had lived together in the past.
“Preliminary investigation shows the accused had taken money from Niraj with the promise of sending him abroad. When Niraj asked for his money back, a dispute broke out, leading to the shooting inside the restaurant,” police said.
After shooting him, the restaurant operator allegedly instructed two others to take the injured Chaudhary to a hospital, but instead of the nearby district hospital, they were told to drive him to a distant nursing home in Nepalgunj.
Police have also questioned restaurant staff. One employee said Niraj had come to the restaurant on Sunday to demand his money and that the gun went off “accidentally” during the argument — a claim investigators are verifying.
Chaudhary’s parents, who work in India, have been informed. Police said the postmortem will be conducted once the family arrives.