A fugitive inmate who had escaped from Nakkhu prison on September 9 has allegedly murdered his wife in Kavre district.

According to local authorities, 35-year-old Santa Bahadur Tamang of Panauti Municipality-12, Gagal, killed his 30-year-old wife, Manisha Ghyawa Tamang, around 1am on September 19.

The incident came to light after Manisha lost contact with her family on Saturday. Suspicious relatives began searching for her and eventually discovered her body buried in a field, about 150 metres from her home.

Jayaram KC, ward chair of Panauti-12, said neighbours had only recently learned that Santa Bahadur was hiding at home after fleeing prison.

“He had escaped from Nakkhu Prison, and people in the community realised just a day or two ago that he was in hiding. Soon after, this tragic incident took place,” KC explained.

Santa Bahadur had been serving a sentence after being convicted of raping a woman from his village four years ago.

Police confirmed they are investigating the case. “Our team is on its way to the site, and further details will follow,” said Deputy Superintnendent of Police Rameshwar Twati, chief of the Banepa Area Police Office.

The suspect remains at large.