ARGHAKHANCHI: The Arghakhanchi Police have arrested four people on the charge of their involvement in causing a wildfire at Dhakhabang of Bhumikasthan municipality-2 in the district.

The fire later spread to the settlement and resulted in the deaths of four people. The arrested are locals Dinesh Thapa, 36, Deepak BK, 18, Deviram Belbase, 70 and Dharmaraj Belbase, 36.

They have already admitted their roles in setting the fire. As they said, they deliberately set the blaze in a bid to chase away wild animals, according to District Police Office Chief and Deputy Superintendent of Police Mukunda Rijal.

“The fire killed four while a woman is still under treatment for the burns.”

The arrested are under investigation and if proven guilty, they are liable for a jail term from six to two years or a fine of up to Rs 20,000 each or both.