Janakpur Murder Case Exposes TikTok Violence Culture as Dussehra Market Struggles
Janakpur's Dhanusha district was gripped by the aftermath of a stabbing near the Janaki Temple that killed a 24-year-old man, with subsequent investigations exposing a pattern of violent TikTok content linked to both the suspect and an Armed Police Force constable. Meanwhile, Dussehra festivities have done little to revive trader confidence as the city's commercial center reported sluggish sales ahead of the festive season.
Stabbing Near Janaki Temple Leaves One Dead, Suspect Linked to TikTok Violence
A 24-year-old man was stabbed to death and another seriously injured near the Janaki Temple in Ward 5 of Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City on Thursday evening, October 9. Mohammad Irshad Khan, 22, allegedly stabbed Aamin Safi of Daha Chowk and left Imtiaz Rain critically injured on Rahim Path at approximately 9:15 pm. Police arrested Khan, who was already wanted in connection with an earlier attempted murder dating to February 2026, when he had attacked another man with a khukuri on Bakra Eid. OnlineKhabar reported that Khan, known online as Gunda, had posted dozens of TikTok videos targeting members of another community and promoting hatred, violence, and abusive language. His social media presence included videos in which he displayed a khukuri and made threatening gestures. The case prompted authorities to examine the broader problem of violent social media content being used to intimidate communities in the Terai region. The injured victim was transferred to the Provincial Hospital in Janakpur after initial treatment proved inadequate. Police confirmed the suspect had maintained separate TikTok and Facebook accounts dedicated to inflammatory content for an extended period before the fatal attack. [8]
Armed Police Constable Investigated Over TikTok Videos Made with Murder Suspect
An Armed Police Force constable named Rishi Mandal came under investigation after videos surfaced showing him making TikTok reels with Irshad Khan, the man accused of the stabbing murder in Janakpurdham. OnlineKhabar English News reported that in one video, Khan is seen pulling a khukuri from his pocket, displaying it, and using threatening language while Mandal appears to be supporting him. The videos, made several months before the fatal stabbing, went viral following the incident, raising serious concerns about the judgment and conduct of a serving security officer. DIG Bishnu Bhatta, chief of the Armed Police Force's Madhesh Province office, confirmed Constable Mandal was under investigation. Separately, Dhanusha police also arrested Pashupati Paswan, 21, known locally as Kale, for uploading fear-spreading and violence-inciting videos on TikTok. These related incidents have drawn attention to the growing problem of inflammatory social media content in Janakpur's politically and communally sensitive environment, where tensions between communities can be easily inflamed by viral content. The incidents have prompted calls for stronger social media monitoring policies from civil society groups operating in the Madhesh Province. [3]
🏢 Dussehra Season Brings Crowds but Little Commerce to Janakpur Markets
Despite increased foot traffic in Janakpur's main bazaar areas ahead of Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, traders reported deeply disappointing sales through the Dussehra period. Ratopati reported that shopkeepers in key commercial intersections including Janakchowk, Shivachowk, Ramananda Chowk, Pidaari Chowk, Bhanu Chowk, Pulchowk, and Murali Chowk found their stores unusually quiet for the festive period. MD Murkuja, who runs a readymade clothing store at Janakchowk, said he had ordered new stock specifically for Dussehra but was unable to even make a single sale in a full day. Traders said this represents a departure from previous years when business would begin picking up a full month before Dussehra. The temples of the city have been elaborately decorated and are drawing visitors, but this has not translated into consumer spending at clothing, shoe, cosmetic, and electronics shops. Local businessmen expressed concern that unsold inventory would create serious financial strain heading into the broader festive season. The commercial slowdown appears linked to broader economic pressures in Madhesh Province, with traders noting reduced purchasing power among local consumers compared to recent festival seasons. [6]
🏢 Government-Owned Janakpur Cigarette Factory Issues 21-Day Claims Notice Before Closure
The Janakpur Cigarette Factory Limited, a fully government-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, issued a 21-day public notice asking stakeholders, employees, and business partners to submit claims after completing its due diligence audit. Ratopati reported that Nepal's Council of Ministers had decided on Baishakh 15, 2082, to manage the government's investment in the factory, and a team of experts from the Ministry of Finance subsequently completed the Due Diligence Audit. The notice covers outstanding dues, land mortgage matters, insurance claims, and employee service benefits. Stakeholders were advised to contact the factory's Janakpur site or reach out via phone and email within the specified period. The factory warned that claims submitted after the deadline would not be entertained and that proceedings would continue according to prevailing law. The closure of this state-owned enterprise marks the end of an era for Janakpur's industrial landscape, as the cigarette factory has long been part of the economic fabric of Dhanusha district. Workers and stakeholders were given until the end of October to come forward with their claims, after which the government's divestment process is expected to advance to the next stage. [9]
Sources: [8] OnlineKhabar English News · [3] OnlineKhabar English News · [6] Ratopati · [9] Ratopati