Alleged police brutality sparks protests in Kathmandu
A shutdown strike called by Nepali Congress affiliated Nepal Student Union (NSU) and other sister organisations has partially affected normal life in the capital Friday.
With angry protesters marching the streets vehicular traffic was badly affected in the morning, leading to closure of many schools in the valley.
However, the traffic gradually returned to normal in the afternoon, but some areas still remained tense due to student protests.
The protest was called against the alleged murder of NC cadre Pradip Khadka, 38, of Katari VDC-4 in Udaypur district, by the police Wednesday night in Lalitpur. Khadka was a construction entrepreneur by profession.
Police say Khadka died at Patan Hospital due to injuries he sustained in a motorbike accident. Eyewitness accounts however suggested that he was severely tortured by the policemen, which could be the cause of the death.
The Kathmandu Post quoted an eyewitness as saying that police had blown whistle to stop Khadka's motorcycle at Balkumari Chowk as he was on his way home at about 9:15 pm.
Five policemen allegedly pounced on him alleging that he had stopped his two-wheeler some few meters away from the spot. The eyewitness said the policemen started beating him up, reminding him of the directives of new Home Minister, Bam Dev Gautam.
"Forgive me, if there is any mistake on my part. Please don't kill me. Take me to Hanumandhoka or another place. Take action against me but don't beat me up," the eyewitness quoted deceased Khadka as pleading.
The eyewitness said that despite the pleas the police continued beating him with wooden planks, sticks and boots before taking him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Khadka's family members refused to receive the body yesterday as police claimed he died in an accident.
Police have come down heavily on Kathmandu's night life, stepping up security and night-time checking since last few days following the order by Home Minister Gautam.
The NSU meanwhile has warned of stronger protests if the government failed to invite them for talks by Friday evening. nepalnews.com ia/ag Sep 12 08
