An Indian businessman was shot dead in the heart of the capital, sparking a protest by the business community in Nepal today. Anjani Kumar Chachan 'Pappu', who was from the Marwari community hailing from Rajasthan, was gunned down in Ganabahal market around 7.30 pm yesterday.

 The 46-year-old trader, who had been running his leather business in Nepal for decades, was rushed to Bir Hospital, but died while undergoing treatment. He was shot in the arm and stomach by two motorcycle-borne attackers, The Himalayan Times said online.

The agitated business community staged a protest at the hospital and slammed the government for the deteriorating law and order situation in the county. They also refused to receive the body. Inspector Kumar Pandit said that an investigation has started, but no suspects have been arrested. Members of the business community also held a protest on Monday in the capital and shut down their shops in the New Road area.

 Earlier, Indian businessmen have been target of killings, abductions and extortion that has plagued the nation amid the political instability in the country. Jhala Nath Khanal, who was elected the Prime Minister on February 3 after 17 attempts over a seven-month period, has failed to expand his cabinet amid differences over power sharing with his key ally Maoists.