Police in Darchula have arrested two men in connection with the murder of 71-year-old Laxmi Joshi and the theft of her jewellery in Shailyashikhar Municipality–8, Debal.
The accused, 23-year-old Umesh Saud, a tractor driver and neighbour of the victim, and 23-year-old Gopal Nath, originally from Baitadi, were apprehended by a team led by Sub-Inspector Padam Bahadur Thapa of the Federal Police Office in Mahendranagar, following an investigation into Joshi’s death on Monday night.
DIG Om Bahadur Rana, chief of the Sudurpashchim Province Police Office, stated that both suspects confessed during questioning. Nearly two tolas of jewellery stolen during the crime were recovered.
Police reports indicate that Saud allegedly planned the murder, while Nath assisted him. Both had previous criminal records: Saud served an 11-month sentence for theft, and Nath had served four months. Authorities also noted that the suspects were involved in drug abuse.
The police investigation continues to determine if there were additional motives or accomplices in the crime.
