KATHMANDU: The body of 20-year-old Ayusha Magar, also known as Maya, was recovered from Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu, packed in a sack and wrapped in plastic. Police have confirmed that she was murdered on November 12 and arrested 24-year-old Surya Thapa, a hotel worker, in connection with the killing.
According to Kathmandu District Police spokesperson Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, Maya’s body was found near Chakrapath in Tokha Municipality-9, and her identity was confirmed after investigation. Thapa has admitted to the murder.
Police investigations revealed that Maya and Thapa had known each other for only 15 days. Maya, reportedly a drug user, had borrowed Rs 500 from Thapa to purchase brown sugar. When she refused to return the money, an argument ensued, and Thapa strangled her to death using a shoe string, Bhattarai said.
The body had been wrapped in a straw and onion sack and discarded near the bus park. Despite decomposing over 11 days, the way it was packed prevented strong odors from spreading, delaying identification.
Police traced evidence to the Royal Pumbala Hotel near the New Bus Park, where Thapa worked as a cook. Pillows and straw used in the hotel were found to match the wrapping around Maya’s body. After questioning hotel staff and suspicious individuals, authorities arrested Thapa, who confessed to killing Maya.
Maya had stayed in the staff quarters of the hotel on the night of her death while her friend Dolma slept on the roof. Thapa, who reportedly consumed alcohol heavily, committed the murder following the dispute over the money.
Bhattarai confirmed that Thapa acted alone, and the police are continuing their investigation into the case.
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