In Ward No. 10, Botegaun of Byas Municipality, a dispute broke out between supporters of the Nepali Congress and the Rastriya Swatantra Party after allegations that Nepali Congress workers were distributing money to voters. On the night of March 3, Rastriya Swatantra Party supporters spread rumors that Nepali Congress workers were handing out cash to voters in Botegaun, which led to a confrontation between members of the two parties.
According to Ramakant Dhungana, Vice President of Nepali Congress, Byas Municipality–10, the dispute began after two Nepali Congress workers were on their way to Botegaun and encountered Rastriya Swatantra Party supporters on the road. The latter accused them of going out late at night to distribute money, which triggered the argument.
As tensions escalated between supporters of both parties, police reached the scene the same night. DSP Shravan Kumar Bika of the District Police Office, Tanahun, stated that police searched the pockets and bags of workers from both sides but did not find any money or materials intended to influence voters. He added that such rumors and misinformation tend to spread during the election silence period and urged people to remain cautious. DSP Bika also advised everyone to avoid going out late at night during the silence period.