Tamang, arrested from Jogimara on Thursday, is said to be involved in the murder of Pahalman Tamang of Samari in Nuwakot and Gangalal Tamang of Darkha in Dhading last year.

Police said they have already arrested 23 people involved in the five cases and are searching for 30 others in connection with the incidents. Nine of the arrestees were in the “most wanted” list of police. The cycle of revengeful murders began as 11 youths, including Tek Bahadur Tamang, murdered Tek Bahadur Thapa Magar of Darkha-1 on December 16, 2010 over a minor dispute. Bijaya Gurung, one of accused in the incident who was released later, was murdered by a gang, including Nepali Congress supporter Bhishan Simkhada, on December 3, 2012. Maoist supporters, however, murdered Simkhada on the same day accusing him of showing dual political character and being involved in Gurung’s killing.

In retaliation, seven youths, including Chandra Bahadur Tamang, murdered Pahalman, one of the accused of Simkhada’s killing, on February 7, 2014. Chandra Bahadur is also said to be involved in the murder of Gangalal Tamang on January 2, 2014. Police said all these five murder incidents are interrelated and were carried out by rival gangs who were involved in criminal activities under the protection of various political parties in northern parts of the district. They said they are also searching for other people involved in Gangalal’s killing.  

Meanwhile, security officials said people in the region have been relieved after the arrest of around two dozen suspects, including Chandra Bahadur.