October 10: Federation of Contractors’ Association Nepal (FCAN) Chairman Sharad Kumar Gauchan has been shot dead on Monday. Unknown assailants opened fire at Gauchan at Prayagmarga Chowk of New Baneshwar while he was on his way to Anamnagar-based FCAN office from his home at Shantinagar.

Gauchan was travelling on his Toyota Prado jeep with registration number Ba 13 Cha 4948 when he was stopped by a group of criminals at 3 pm and shot dead. Police were yet to nab the assailants till late Monday night.

The Metropolitan Police Range said that it has intensified investigation into the case but declined to divulge further details.

Although the police claimed that they have arrested three persons with pistol from Bauddha area, it is not yet confirmed whether they were involved in the same case or not.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants first threw a brick in front of the driver’s window and then opened fire at Gauchan, who was seated in the front row besides the driver.   

There were marks of two shots on the front window of the jeep. After the assault, the attackers used a motorbike parked nearby and fled towards Katyani Chowk, according to the eyewitnesses.

Although Gauchan’s driver took him to Civil Hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. According to Dr Bimal Thapa, Gauchan sustained bullets injuries to his heart, liver and in between the two vital organs.

After the death of Gauchan, callers from unidentified numbers have started threatening other builders and contractors. FCAN General Secretary Ram Sharah Deuja informed that the blackmailers have been seeking millions of rupees in ransom from them.