Ten days after CPN-UML-affiliated Youth Association Nepal (YAN) Rupandehi chapter Chairman Durga Tiwari was shot dead, YAN central member Santosh Budathoki was attacked by a group of unidentified assailants in Kohalpur, Banke on Thursday night.

According to police, Budathoki was attacked with a Khukuri knife at around 9pm yesterday night. He has sustained serious injuries to his neck and is in a critical condition.

YAN spokesperson Prabhat Bikram Katuwal informed that Budathoki has been taken to a Luknow-based hospital in India for further medical treatment.

Katuwal also warned of retaliation if attacks on YAN cadres continue.

Meanwhile, police have arrested five persons allegedly involved in attacking Santosh Budhathoki, 29, the central member of Youth Association Nepal, the youth wing of the CPN (UML). Budhathoki was seriously injured in the attack that took place last night.

He has been taken to Lucknow, India for further medical treatment after preliminary treatment at here based Kohalpur Medical College.

The arrestees are yet to be made public. According to police, the main culprit of the incident, Laxman Malla of Bajura has been absconding and police have intensified search.  

Meanwhile, CPN (UML) lawmaker Dal Bahadur Sunar has urged the administration for immediate investigation into the case.