Gangster Manange released BY BABURAM KHAREL KATHMANDU, Feb 12 - It was a gathering of youth, the type usually seen in pubs, discos, and parties, as well as in serious gang fights in and around Kathmandu. This mysterious group with expensive cars and flashy bikes appeared outside Sadarkhor Jail at Dillibazar, Sunday afternoon. Interestingly, these muscle-flexing gangsters were not there for hooliganism this time but to welcome their leader -- Dipak Manange -- who was being released from prison after serving several months in jail. Manange, a notorious gang leader, was imprisoned on the charge of a murder attempt on another notorious gangster Milan Gurung aka Chakre on December 27, 2003 at Hyatt Regency in the capital. Police had arrested Manange for his alleged involvement in the murder attempt after receiving written complaint from Indira Gurung, wife of Chakre. Manange was set free on Sunday after spending 22 months and 9 days in jail, as directed by the court. When Manange appeared outside the prison, his followers chanted slogans in his support and escorted him in an expensive car, more reminiscent of scenes in Indian movies. Locals were surprised to note the manner that over 500 people escorted Manange along Dillibazar. Even Jail officials conceded that it was the first time they saw such a large reception committee outside the prison gates. "We are here for the security of our don," said a youth, declining to disclose his name. The visibly elated Manange even said that his release was due to the establishment of loktantra in the country. However, police are apprehensive that Manange’s release could begin fresh gang-fights with his rival - Chakre Milan. "Both of have strong links with political leaders," said a senior police official, preferring anonymity. It is alleged that Manange is connected to the Rana-led Rastriya Prajatantra Party while Milan is close to ruling CPN-UML. Jail administration officials disclosed that senior leaders of various political parties used to visit him during his stay in prison. Manage operates Club Dynasty in Durbar Marg, Funky Buddha in Thamel and several other restaurants in Kathmandu. Police believe he is a multi-millionaire who used to work as a financial broker and contract dealer - with support of political parties. Even experts, knowledgeable in the issue, say there is a strong possibility that these gangsters will be active in the coming CA polls. During the previous elections too, these gang leaders were actively involved. Asked if there was the possibility of gang fights with the rival gang of Chakre, Keshav Adhikari, chief of Metropolitan Police Crime Division, said there was strong possibility of such a fight in the future. "We had arrested them and filed cases on similar incidents in the past. We will maintain surveillance on them," he said. In previous cases, neither Manange nor Chakre ever spent full jail terms for various offences they were charged with. However, Manange spent the full term of his imprisonment this time, as a disciplined inmate, said a jail official. Courtesy: www.ekantipur.com