Different private sector umbrella bodies have condemned the gruesome murder of construction businessman Sharad Kumar Gauchan near New Baneshwor on Monday afternoon. 

Issuing separate press statements, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce have said they are deeply saddened by the brutal killing of Gauchan, who was also the chairman of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal, and have demanded immediate arrest of people involved in the murder.

“This killing has again forced us to live and work in an environment of fear,” read the statements issued by the private sector umbrella bodies. These bodies have also urged the government to ensure rule of law in the country.    

Two unknown assailants shot Gauchan in broad daylight near Om Shanti Chowk at Shantinagar near New Baneshwor at around 3:15 pm, according to Baneshwor Metropolitan Police Circle DSP Ravi Kumar Paudel. He was then rushed to Minbhawan-based Civil Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:26 pm, said Paudel. 

Civil Hospital acting Director Bimal Thapa said Gauchan had no pulse when he was brought to the hospital. “He had sustained three bullets: one in his heart, one in liver and the third pierced his abdomen,” said Thapa.