Pokhara ward chairperson manhandles employee, businessman

POKHARA: Business owners in Pokhara have filed a complaint Dev Krishna Parajuli, chairperson of Ward-4 of Pokhara Metropolitan City, accusing him of assaulting a local businessman.

The complaint, submitted to the District Police Office, Kaski, on Tuesday, has yet to be officially registered.

Parajuli allegedly assaulted Lekhnath Subedi, who operates Subedi Cosmetics on Sarbeshwar Marg in Chipleydhunga, on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier that day, Parajuli reportedly attacked Ishwari Prasad Pokharel, a seventh-level officer in Pokhara Metropolitan City’s Administration Section, inside the office of the Chief Administrative Officer. According to a municipal employee, Parajuli grabbed Pokharel by the collar over a dispute about an internal training program organized without his consultation.

Following the incident, Parajuli proceeded to Sarveshwar Marga, where he confronted Subedi over a dispute regarding footpath encroachment. Witnesses claim Parajuli slapped Subedi in the face.

Tul Bahadur Thapa, chairperson of the Sarbeshwar Marg Business Committee, said that businesses in the area, which has drawn significant investments, have faced restrictions from the metropolitan office. “A minor issue led to one of our members being assaulted today,” Thapa said. “We have filed a complaint demanding strong action against the ward chairperson.”

He also accused local landlords of uncooperative behavior, echoing Parajuli’s alleged remarks that the businessmen are “outsiders”.

Relations between Parajuli and Sarbeshwar Marg’s business community, which falls under his ward, have been strained since his election.

Subedi, a permanent resident of Kaskikot operating a cosmetics shop near Café Aroma in Chipledhunga, is among the 208 businesses affiliated with the Sarbeshwar Marg Business Committee.

The committee filed a complaint with the police demanding strong action against Ward Chairperson Parajuli at around 5 pm on Tuesday.

Kaski Police Chief SP Shyam Babu Oliya said a complaint was received against ward chairperson Parajuli which is yet to be registered.

Meanwhile, Parajuli has said that he acted in self-defense after he was confronted.