A preliminary police investigation led by Superintendent of Police Yogendra Kumar Khadka reveals that the death of Ujwal Paudel, senior sub-inspector and in-charge of Bhimgithe Police Station in the district, was a murder.

According to Khadka, two suspects have been arrested, including the owners of the hotel where Paudel was found dead. Police claimed the hotel owner and her son had killed Paudel following a dispute.

Paudel’s body was recovered from Aasha Khaja Ghar and Restaurant in Badigad Rural Municipality-6 on Monday night. Police claimed that the hotel operator’s son had attacked the police officer on the head with his bare hands following which Paudel had lost consciousness.

The victim was then strangled by the neck. He breathed his last at around 11pm on Monday, Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan KC said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The district court remanded the accused mother and son duo into custody for five days for further investigation.