KATHMANDU: Mayoral candidate in Byas Municipality, Tanahun, Deepak Raj Joshi was assaulted as voting was underway on Friday while he observed voting as a candidate.

Nepali Congress (NC) cadres have been accused of manhandling mayoral candidate Joshi.

Candidate Joshi, who is also the son of former NC leader Govinda Raj Joshi, ran for mayor with the backing of the CPN-UML.

Joshi sustained a head injury in the attack at a voting center in Byas Municipality-8.

Joshi told media that he could have been dead if he had not been rescued from there following the attack.

Meanwhile, NC cadres accused Joshi of tearing ballot papers.

“At first, Joshi tore ballot papers; the act enraged the NC cadres and there was minor scuffle,” DSP Yubaraj Khadka of the District Police Office said, “The situation is under control and Joshi sustains quite minor injury.”

Meanwhile, Joshi was taken to Pokhara for further treatment.