Suspected of Killing His Wife 3 Years Ago, Fled to Qatar to Hide, Now Arrested

Gajendra Bantawa Rai, a 38-year-old fugitive Nepali national from Mechinagar Municipality-11, has been arrested in Qatar three years after allegedly murdering his wife. The arrest was the result of coordinated efforts between the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Doha and Interpol.

Rai is accused of killing his wife, Sharmila Tamang Rai, on November 18, 2021, before fleeing Nepal to evade justice. Following the murder, Nepal Police’s Interpol branch issued a Red Corner Notice on June 15, 2024, to facilitate his capture.

Krishna Kumar Chand, spokesperson for the Jhapa District Police Office, stated that authorities began searching for Rai immediately after the crime was committed. Upon discovering his whereabouts in Qatar, the Interpol notice was issued, leading to his arrest.

The suspect was brought back to Nepal on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. The Dhulabari Area Police Office is currently conducting further investigations into the murder charges.