Kathmandu hostel killing: Student dies after fight among friends

A young man has died after being attacked during a dispute at a hostel in Kathmandu, with police saying the initial investigation points to a conflict among friends.

Basant Kalathoki, originally from Ghorahi in Dang, was staying at Valley Boys Hostel in Shankhamul, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-10.

Police were called to the hostel on Friday morning after reports that a group of young men had attacked Kalathoki. He was seriously injured and was taken to nearby Civil Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead at around 12:15pm.

Police said Kalathoki suffered injuries to his head and neck, including wounds believed to have been caused by a sharp weapon. A post-mortem examination is expected to establish the exact cause and circumstances of his death.

Six people detained

Police initially detained six people from the hostel as part of the investigation.

Among them, 18-year-old Shekhar Yadav of Kalaiya Sub-Metropolitan City-3 in Bara has been identified as being directly involved in the attack, according to police.

The other five people remain under investigation and have not been publicly identified. Police said some of them could be released after questioning if no evidence links them to the incident.

Suspect arrested in Makwanpur

Another suspect, Pramit Patel of Kalaiya, was arrested in Makwanpur while allegedly attempting to flee after the killing.

Patel was arrested in Bhainse with the assistance of Makwanpur police as he was travelling towards Bara. Police said he was being brought to Kathmandu for further investigation.

Investigators believe Patel and Yadav were involved in Kalathoki’s killing and are preparing to seek court permission to investigate them under Nepal’s homicide laws.

Weapon yet to be recovered

Although police believe Kalathoki suffered injuries from a sharp weapon, the suspected weapon has not yet been recovered.

An investigating officer said Kalathoki had multiple injuries and appeared to have been attacked with a sharp object. Police suspect the weapon may have been hidden or removed from the scene after the attack.

The exact circumstances will be clearer after forensic and post-mortem reports and further questioning of those detained.

Police suspect dispute between friends

The preliminary investigation suggests that the killing may have followed a dispute between people who knew each other.

Police have so far found no indication of a long-standing personal grudge and believe an argument among hostel residents may have escalated into a violent attack.

Investigators are continuing to question those involved, including the suspect arrested in Makwanpur, before establishing the precise motive.

Police raise concerns over hostel supervision

The incident has also prompted concerns among police about conditions and supervision at hostels in the New Baneshwar, Buddhanagar and Shankhamul areas of Kathmandu.

Police say they have received reports of disputes, disturbances and cannabis use at some hostels in the area. Authorities have previously carried out searches and made arrests in connection with suspected drug use.

Police officials say inadequate supervision by some hostel operators can contribute to young people becoming involved in substance use and other disputes.

The investigation into Kalathoki’s death is continuing.