A Hindu religious leader was shot by unknown assailants at Jatuwa of Biratnagar Metropolitan in the wee hours of Sunday morning, police said. The religious teacher, Acharya Shree Niwas, who sustained bullet in his chest, was rushed to Biratnagar-based Neuro Hospital for treatment. 

An advocate of Hindu state, Acharya is believed to be close to deposed King Gyanendra Shah.

Last week when former King Gyanendra was on a visit to the religious sites of Province 1 stayed with Acharya Shree Niwas. He also has links with Shiva Shena Nepal.

Acharya was actively working for the preparation of Shreemat Bhagwat Saptaha, a seven-day long religious programme, which kicked off at Jatuwa on Sunday. The assailants shot at him when he was out to answer the call of nature at around 3 am.

Police have intensified efforts to nab the assailants and deployed security personnel around the incident site.

Meanwhile, Acharya’s supporters and the organisations he was aligned with are set to hold a press meet to demand the authority become serious about security concerns.