Kaski: Land Revenue Office staff refused to work on Sunday, protesting the arrest of their colleagues on the charge of involvement in fraudulent release of collateral.

Employees at the Survey office also lent their support to the strike by shutting down services. On Friday, police held Udaya Kunwar and Rajendra Pokharel of the computer section and another employee Sabina Dhakal for interrogation in connection with the incident.

Staffers Ananta Subedi, Niru Adhikari and Upendra Mahato were arrested earlier on the same charge. Cases have surfaced in the Lake City that collaterals of debtors have been freed without their repaying loans to financial institutions.

With workers on strike, service seekers have been affected. “Why we are to pay for their agitation?,” questioned 81-year-old Khimlal Adhikari of Lahachowk, who had reached the office to acquire a land ownership certificate.

Section Officer Rishiram Lamichhane threatened to take to the streets if the employees were not released soon.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Tul Bahadur Karki said the employees were held for investigation and action will be taken against all guilty of the illegal action.

source: The Kathmandu Post