Date: February 27, 2026
The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) is saddened by the news that journalist Premnath Poudel and his brother were injured after a tree fell on them while they were going from Sarlahi to Bardibas in Mahottari on Chaitra 11. Poudel suffered a serious injury to his elbow and a fractured right leg, according to the FNJ Sarlahi branch.
Considering the nature of the incident, the branch says that the incident occurred when the Road Department, its employees and workers were negligent in cutting down the tree and did not pay attention to the vehicles plying on the road. It seems that road safety was not paid attention to while cutting down the tree during the expansion of the East-West Highway.
The FNJ demands the concerned bodies to investigate the facts of the incident and bring the culprits to justice, arrange for full treatment for the injured and provide compensation.
In addition, the FNJ wishes Poudel, who was brought to Kathmandu for treatment, a full and speedy recovery.

Ram Prasad Dahal
Secretary General