Arrest warrants against Himal Gas MD, staff

KAVRE, MAR 02 -

The Police on Thursday issued arrest warrants against the owner and two employees of Gaurishankar Gas Industry, the producer of Himal Gas, for their involvement in black-marketing. They are Managing Director Subash Khetan, plant in-charge Gyan Ratna Shakya and mechanical in-charge Bhimsen Bhujel.

An inspection team led by Supply Minister Lekh Raj Bhatta on February 22 had found the gas bottler hoarding LPG cylinders and selling illegally. Following the raid, the minister had directed Kavre CDO Rudra Nath Basyal to arrest Gaurishankar officials.

The police have already arrested factory Manager Deg Raj Bhattarai. However, in protest of Bhattarai’s arrest, factory workers have launched an agitation, demanding Bhattarai’s release and action against the company’s proprietor. “Action should be taken against the proprietor rather than general workers,” said an agitating worker.

Workers have accused the police of protecting high-level officials. The police have been facing pressure from politicians and big businessmen to end the case, said a source on condition of anonymity. 

Police Inspector and Investigation Officer Khem Acharya said the investigation was under way. According to Acharya, they have filed a black marketing and social offence case against the company. “The police have been searching the accused, who are subject to arrest warrants.”

District Police Chief Surendra Prasad Mainali said they were committed to maintaining transparency and arresting the accused.

The Black Marketing and Some Other Social Offenses Punishment Act-1975 has provisioned up to five years of imprisonment or cash penalty or both against those involved in creating artificial shortage of goods in the market.

Source: Kantipur