One timber smuggler has been shot dead inside the Chitwan National Park on Monday, when the Army personnel deployed for the security of the national park opened fire at timber smugglers.

Timber smuggler Rishan Praja hailing from Piple VDC-2 was shot dead in encounter with Army deputed along the Rapti and Lothar Rivers in the park, Chitwan Chief District Officer, Ganesh Raj Karki told RSS.

However, three of Praja’s accomplices managed to escape the fire, said Chitwan National Park sources.

Further investigation into the incident is under way, police said. nepalnews.com