(update) Police have arrested and begun investigation on additional eight suspects in connection to the Tikapur incident in which seven policemen including SSP of Nepal Police and a minor were killed. Although police held 11 persons on Monday, three were released shortly afterwards following questioning. However, eight of them were detained for further investigation, informed Chief District Officer Mohan Chapagain. Seven suspects were apprehended from Tikapur municipality, and Joshipur and Thapapur VDCs while one was held from Bardiaya district. According to District Police Office, Kailali, the arrested are Brijmohan Chaudhary and Rajesh Chaudhary of Nawalpur, Thapapur VDC-7; Bishram Chaudhary of Thapapur-6, Santaram Chaudhary, Shitaldas Chaudhary, Bishan Chaudhary of Thapapur-8, Biru Chaudhary of Tikapur-1. Another, who is also a permanent resident o Tikapur, was arrested from Bardiya district. Earlier, police had arrested 7 suspects and were preparing to lodge murder charge against them.

Update.......... Police on Thursday arrested Tharu Kalyankari Sabha District Chairman Lahuram Chaudhary for his alleged involvement in the Tikapur carnage. Chaudhary was arrested from his Dhangadhi-based residence. Likewise, police arrested Laxman Tharu, Central Committee member of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik, from Rupandehi on Wednesday. Chaudhary and Tharu are the prominent leaders arrested so far in connection with the Tikapur incident. “Action will be taken if the arrestees are found guilty, otherwise they will be released,” said District Police Chief Bikram Chand. Police have so far arrested 16 people in connection with the bloody incident that claimed nine lives in Tikapur, the district headquarters of Kailali on August 24. Eight policemen and a toddler died when protestors turned violent during the demonstration.