The bloodbath between two notorious rival gangs in Kathmandu intensified over the last few weeks. Gang leaders Milan Gurung 'Chakre' and Dipak 'Manangey' unleashed their goons in a series of revenge attacks against each other. In May, Chakre survived a lethal attack by Manangey's group at Maharajganj, but his arm was severly injured in the fight. Chakre vowed to avenge the attack, and on 1 July, his brother Tejendra Gurung led an attack on Manangey near Jai Nepal Cinema. Though he was assaulted with khukuris and swords, Manangey survived.

The police have been criticised for failing to control the situation. They, in turn, blame the politicians for protecting the gangs, but questions have also been raised at the 'suspicious behaviour' of the police, who are often accused of being associated with one side or the other. After Chakre was arrested last week, his rival Manangey, who was being treated at Bir Hospital managed to escape just a few hours later. Although a case was filed against Manangey, an arrest warrant was never issued. It seems Chakre also has friends in the police force. When Manangey's wife went to the police station to file a case against her husband's attackers-Chakre's brother and five gang members-she was arrested instead.

Chakre is accused of the contract killing of a woman last year. However, in the absence of strong evidence, he will soon be released on a bail of Rs 27,000. No action has been taken against him for the attacks on Manangey. Meanwhile, Manangey is on the run, but the police say there is not enough evidence to convict him. "Even when there is sufficient evidence, they get away easily due to pressure from the politicians," says a police source.