Private business fraternity has strongly condemned the murder of Sharad Kumar Gauchan, Chairman of Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal (FCAN), who was shot dead in a broad daylight in Shantinagar, Kathmandu on Monday.

The private sectors including Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industry (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) strongly condemned the incident and demanded immediate action against the perpetrators.

Issuing separate statements in the wake of Gauchan’s murder, the private sectors expressed concerns that the murder might deteriorate the investment environment in the country.

Two unknown assailants shot and killed construction businessman Sharad Kumar Gauchan at Shantinagar, Baneshowor, in Kathmandu.

“The murder has shocked FNCCI,” reads a FNCCI statement, “We strongly condemn such barbaric and criminal act.”

The FNCCI said the incident has created fear among businessmen. “Private sector is extremely sad as the businessmen, who are paying highest tax to the government, are insecure in this country,” read the statement.

FNCCI observed that the incident is the result of government’s lack of concern towards the security of its citizens. The apex body of Nepali private sector demanded through its statement that the culprits should be immediately brought to justice.

Likewise, CNI has termed the incident “inhumane and a cowardly act.”

“At a time when country looks to be heading toward political stability and business and trade getting priority, the killing of businessperson in a busy place of Capital has created the environment of fear and left the business fraternity panic-stricken,” read a CNI statement.

Also, Nepal Chamber of Commerce too said the murder of businessmen Gauchan in broad daylight has exposed the sorry state of security provision in country.