KATHMANDU: An unidentified gang smeared soot on the face of Ward Chairman Hira Bahadur Thapa of Beni Municipality-2 of Myagdi district. The gang also put a garland made of slippers around his neck.

Chief District Officer Liladhar Adhikari said that Thapa was manhandled by the gang at his workplace at around 11 am on Thursday.

The outfit led by the Netra Bikram Chand alias Biplav is believed to be behind the assault. It is reported that the outfit had been accusing Thapa of corruption.