Makawanpur: In a significant development, the police have apprehended three individuals on charges of extorting Rs 10 million in Makawanpur district. The accused, identified as Nishchal Paudel, Ganesh Ghale, and Pritam Chhetri, all residents of Hetauda Sub Metropolitan City-9, are alleged to have extorted the sum from Surya Prasad Paudel.

The incident, which occurred on the night of December 1, involved the firing of five rounds of bullets at Surya Prasad's residence before the extortion took place, according to law enforcement officials. Notably, Nishchal Paudel, considered the mastermind, is revealed to be the nephew of Surya Prasad.

At a press conference held today, Superintendent of Police Sitaram Rijal disclosed that preliminary investigations suggest Nishchal ordered the firing as a means of intimidation to coerce Surya Prasad into paying the ransom. Fortunately, no human casualties were reported, as the assailants fired at the walls of the house.

The police made the identities of the three accused public during the press conference. Nishchal was found in possession of 20 live bullets, and all three individuals were implicated in the smuggling of illegal drugs. The authorities seized two motorcycles, two grams of brown heroin, five mobile phones, and Rs 50,000 in cash from the arrested individuals.

Superintendent Rijal announced that the police would file charges related to attempted murder, narcotic drug trafficking, and possession of arms and weapons against the trio. The accused had reportedly rented an apartment in Hetauda-4. The case underscores the gravity of the offenses committed by the arrested individuals, linking them not only to extortion but also to other serious criminal activities.