Kathmandu, Dec 25: The District Administration Office in Kaski has granted a 10-day detention period for the individual who assaulted Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), in Pokhara on Saturday. The police will be investigating the disturbance of peace in a public place.

During Lamichhane's assembly speech on Saturday, Santosh Ranabhat from Rainas Municipality-8 in Lamjung reportedly struck him with a corn cob. Kaski Police Chief SP Mohan Thapa has confirmed that they have obtained Santosh's details and are actively pursuing the investigation.

Contrary to RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane's request to spare the assaulter, SP Thapa clarified that the police's actions were not influenced by RSP or any individual complaint but were initiated based on the police report.

Rainas-8 Ward Chairman Krishna Bahadur Ranabhat asserted that Santosh is not affiliated with any political beliefs and lacks familial support. He emphasized the need for counseling and assistance, stating that detention might not be the most suitable course of action after the trial.

Although RSP did not file a formal complaint against Santosh, SP Thapa emphasized the police's responsibility to conduct a thorough investigation. Santosh admitted to intentionally assaulting Lamichhane in a statement but claimed that his actions were not motivated by vengeance.

Highlighting Santosh's challenging personal circumstances, Ward Chairman Ranabhat mentioned that Santosh's father has been absent for 35 years, his mother is not at home, and his wife and children are not present. Furthermore, Santosh's uncle passed away last year, leaving him without immediate family support.