Metropolitan Police Range, Kathmandu, has apprehended 82 individuals in connection with the intimidation of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Niru Pal. An unknown person allegedly approached lawmaker Pal near her residence in mid-Baneshwor on Tuesday evening, and warned her not to attend the Parliamentary Hearing Committee (PHC) meeting on Wednesday.

The incident happened at a time when the PHC has not been able to decide on the nomination of acting Chief Justice Deepak Raj Joshee for the top post of judiciary. Pal is among nine members from NCP in the 15-member PHSC.

The ruling NCP is against endorsing Joshee’s recommendation citing his dubious academic certificates, controversial rulings and obstinate behaviour.

According to Pal, the unidentified person pulled out a gun and threatened to kill her if she attended the PHSC meeting scheduled for Wednesday. She said here mobile phone was also snatched during the incident.

Police said they have launched an investigation into the incident. Baneshwor Police Circle chief DSP Govinda Raj Kafle confirmed the arrest of 82 people for investigation into the incident. All the arrested have been kept at Baneshwor Police Circle.

At the meeting of House of Representatives on Thursday, Lawmaker Pal demanded the government provide her security. The government directed the police to probe the incident.