Sirjana Poudel KC, a 42-year-old widow, was killed in a brutal attack in Pokhara on April 8, in what police describe as a premeditated murder rooted in a family property dispute.

Poudel, who ran a small shop and lived with her young daughter, was attacked at around 7:15 pm at Sabhagriha Chowk while returning home. Police say her nephew lay in wait and struck her from behind with a sharp-edged weapon, fatally injuring her.

Originally from Rupa Rural Municipality–1, Poudel had been living in Pokhara following a divorce. She later married Krishna Chhetri, a meat trader known locally as “Khasi Krishna”, who had built his livelihood after migrating from Parbat around three decades ago.

Following Chhetri’s death on September 1, 2023, tensions escalated between Poudel and his children from his first marriage. According to Poudel’s family, disputes intensified over property ownership and inheritance.

The conflict deepened after it emerged that Chhetri had transferred key assets—including a house at Zero Kilometre and land in Malepatan—to his children from his first marriage. Poudel subsequently filed a partition case at the Kaski District Court, which ruled that the property be divided into three shares.

Dissatisfied with the verdict, she appealed at the High Court seeking a broader division that would include her young daughter and Chhetri’s parents. The High Court upheld the district court’s decision, and Poudel was preparing to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court.

Family members allege that threats had been made against her during the mourning period following Chhetri’s death.

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the killing—Shishir KC, also known as Santosh, and Kushal Pariyar. Investigators say the pair had been monitoring Poudel’s movements throughout the day before following her on a scooter and attacking her in a relatively deserted area.

Superintendent of Police Navin Karki said preliminary findings suggest the murder was planned in advance and linked to the ongoing family dispute over property. “We have arrested the main suspects and are investigating the extent of the conspiracy,” he said.

Police are also examining the possible involvement of Poudel’s stepson, who is currently serving a sentence in Kaski District Prison in a drug-related case. Investigators suspect the plan may have been orchestrated from within the prison, though this has yet to be confirmed.

CCTV footage shows the suspects wearing helmets and masks, with the scooter’s number plate concealed. After the incident, they fled towards Parbat before heading to Butwal, apparently intending to cross into India.

Poudel’s family has expressed concern over the safety of her young daughter. Her brother has said he will assume guardianship and continue the legal battle to secure the child’s inheritance rights.

Both suspects have prior criminal records involving theft, robbery and drug-related offences. Police said they will be charged under homicide provisions of the National Penal Code 2017.