Writer and journalist Shreedhar Khanal passed away on Thursday at 94. He wrote detective novels under the pen name ‘Dirghabahu’. He was popular for his novels ‘Murkutta Lash’, ‘Mejarko Sarpa’, ‘Bikhalu Ichhchhapatra’, ‘Cha Aunle Manchhe’, ‘Bahra Bajeko Ghanti’ ‘Paanko Gulam’ and ‘Nangiyeki Sundari’.

Journalist and writer Kishor Nepal, who considers Khanal his senior, said, “Khanal is a trailblazer in Nepali detective novels, as he was the first to introduce and develop the concept of detective fiction in Nepal.”

According to Ramesh Chandra Neupane, who has studied Khanal’s works closely, ‘Namari Sansar Dekhinna’, ‘Ullibilli’, and ‘Chatyang Chutung’ are equally popular satirical works.

Neupane recalls Khanal writing an erotic story in the 70s under the name ‘Vishwamitra’ on the last page of the Naya Sandesh newspaper. Neupane added that Khanal was a fearless journalist who could ride a motorcycle until he was eighty-four.

Speaking of Khanal, Nepal said, “He frequently experimented with writing.”

Khanal is survived by his one son and six daughters. His son, Brajesh Khanal, is also a writer.