A cloth store owner was found murdered near Nepal-India border at Gaurigunj Rural Municipality-6 in Jhapa district on Tuesday morning.

Police said the body of Khemraj Poudel, 38, of Damak Municipality, was found in a paddy field by a some locals. He was out of contact with his family since Monday evening.

Police said Poudel had suffered deep cut injuries in his neck, chest, back and his arms. His motorcycle and some cash were also recovered from the scene.

According to Poudel’s wife Deepa, he had gone to Devigunj to collect money from a customer, whom she identified as Saddam Hussein, on Monday.

Police have arrested Hussein for questioning. One officer told the Post that Hussein admitted to murdering Poudel under the influence of alcohol.

Deepa mentioned in her police statement that Hussein might have committed the murder because he could not pay Rs 90,000 that he owed to her husband.

She also stated that her husband had publicly berated Hussein a few months ago for not paying the money.

Damak Chamber of Commerce and Industry has demanded strong action against the guilty.