KATHMANDU: Near the scene of the murder of former State Minister Ram Chandra Rai, Sarlahi police have found a handcrafted ax soaked with blood. The ax was found 50 meters northwest of the crime scene in a tangle of bamboo. The authorities believe that Rai's murder was committed with the bloodstained weapon.

The District Police Office Sarlahi's Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Deepak Shrestha, confirmed the findings and noted that the investigation is still ongoing. Reporters were told by DSP Shrestha, "We found the ax close to the crime scene and suspect it was used in the murder." "We are actively pursuing leads to identify the perpetrators."

The 80-year-old Rai, who was a resident of Malangawa Municipality-4, was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon on Sunday night at his farmhouse in Chandranagar Rural Municipality-1. His body was found on his bed. A witness assisting Rai reported that three unknown individuals had visited him on the night of the murder, and there were ongoing land disputes with them. The police believe these individuals might have been acquainted with Rai.

The inquiry, which includes the employment of a trained dog, is being conducted by both the District Police Office Sarlahi and the Madhesh Province Police Office. Rai, who served as Minister of State for Land Management for the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) 30 years ago, had lately returned to Sarlahi to work on his farm, although living in Kathmandu with his family. Locals observed his regular visits to the Chandranagar farm.

Rai’s body has been taken to Malangawa Provincial Hospital for an autopsy. The investigations are still under way as investigators try to establish factors that led to his death.