Dhangadhi, February 13

Police have arrested two individuals accused of murdering 71-year-old Laxmi Joshi and looting her jewellery in Shailyashikhar Municipality–8, Debal, in Shailyashikhar Municipality of Darchula.

According to police, Umesh Saud, 23, a tractor driver from the same ward, and Gopal Nath, 23, originally from Baitadi, were arrested on charges of killing Joshi and stealing her jewellery after she was found dead at her home on Monday night.

Police said Saud, who was also the victim’s neighbour, planned the crime, while Nath worked as his assistant. A team led by Sub-Inspector Padam Bahadur Thapa from the Federal Police Office in Mahendranagar carried out the investigation and apprehended the suspects, according to DIG Om Bahadur Rana, chief of the Sudurpashchim Province Police Office.

DIG Rana said both suspects confessed during questioning. Police have also recovered nearly two tolas of jewellery allegedly looted after the murder.

Saud had previously served an 11-month prison sentence in a theft case, while Nath had served four months in jail. Police added that both were involved in drug abuse.