KATHMANDU: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has claimed that it apprehended three individuals, including businessman Arun Chaudhary, in connection with a case involving a land dispute at Bansbari Leather and Shoes Factory, following an exhaustive three-month investigation.

CIB arrested businessman Arun Chaudhary and the former executive director of Bansbari Leather and Shoes Factory, Anit Narayan Thapa, among others, on Thursday.

The Confederation of Nepali Industries (CNI) expressed concerns over Chaudhary’s arrest, terming it a tragic incident that could discourage industrialists.

However, CIB addressed the arrest during a press conference on Friday, asserting that Arun Chaudhary, along with Anit Narayan Thapa and another individual, was taken into custody following a meticulous investigation.

According to CIB, Anit Thapa and Arun Chaudhary had signed a management agreement for operating the Champion Footwear company, established on August 26, 1986.

The agreement stipulated a 51% share for Arun Chaudhary’s group, 25% for Bansbari, and 24% for the public. However, the agreement was allegedly discarded with the intent of capturing the land.

The footwear company was promptly closed after acquiring the land from Bansbari.

CIB emphasized that the arrest was not arbitrary and was the result of a comprehensive examination of the facts.