In Pictures: Family members, relatives stage protest demanding justice for environment activist Dilip Mahato

Published On: January 9, 2023 06:15 PM NPT By: Prasan Gurung

KATHMANDU, Jan 9: Family members and relatives staged a protest cum condolence program in Maitighar Mandala, Kathmandu on Monday demanding justice for Om Prakash Mahato aka Dilip, who was killed on January 10, 2020.

Dilip, who was pursuing an engineering degree in India, was killed by the owner of illegal crusher industries as he led a campaign against illegal extraction of river materials in Aurahi River in Dhanusha. Dilip had come home during vacation when his murder took place.

His friends said Dilip used to discuss local politics and social problems with youths in the village. He was against the illegal extraction of aggregates and sand. He along with other local youths had spearheaded a campaign to stop the illegal extraction of sand, stones and pebbles from local rivers.

Police investigation revealed that Dilip had reached the Aaurahi River to stop illegal extraction of aggregate and sand on January 10 when Bipin Mahato, owner of Churiya Mai Crusher Industry, allegedly stabbed him with a pointed iron lever and then crushed him to death by a tipper truck.