A preliminary police investigation has revealed that the murder of Nepali Congress Jajarkot leader Rabindra Shumsher Shah was orchestrated by cadres of Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist. Police have arrested two persons for their alleged involvement in the crime.

Organising a press conference at the District Police Office, Jajarkot, on Tuesday, police said Shah was murdered to settle old personal scores over financial transaction.

At the press meet, police also made public Thagendra Bahadur Singh aka Shiva and Dil Bahadur Rana aka Dilli, who were involved in the murder of Shah.

SSP Mahesh Bikram Shah said that the duo had already confessed the crime.

Police have been searching for other suspects—Bal Bahadur Malla, Prem Wali aka Itihas, Indra Shahi alias Mohit Singh and Dirgha Bahadur Nepal aka Abhisek, who were on the run after the incident, said SSP Shah. They are the cadres of Netra Bikram Chand led CPN Maoist, he added.

It has been learnt that the murderers had made the plan to kill NC leader Shah at Bheri Guest House in Thatibazaar, Khalanga.

Earlier, police had detained 13 persons for interrogation in connection with the murder.

Later, police released five persons after necessary investigation while eights persons are still in the custody, SSP Shah informed.

He said that the absconding culprits would be arrested soon by issuing an Interpol red notice.

Rabindra Shumsher Shah, 36, was stoned to death while he was out for a walk with his aide Hitler Singh Rathour at Jajarkot-Dolpa Road on March 28. His body was thrown from a roadside cliff. 

The victim was a former central member of Nepal Students Union and chairman of Panchtara Yuwa Samrakshan Manch.