A case has been filed against Dr. Araniko Pandey, central member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), at Kathmandu District Court. The case was registered by the District Government Attorney’s Office based on a police investigation report.
The hearing of Pandey’s statement has already begun before Judge Dhruvraj Karki. Following the statement, the court is expected to decide on whether to remand him in custody or release him on bail. The debate is likely to conclude today. Earlier, the court had ordered four days of detention, which drew some criticism.
Questions have been raised about the discrepancy in treatment, as UML leader Ain Mahar was released on personal recognizance in a similar case, while Pandey was kept in custody.
Pandey is accused of sending offensive messages via email and WhatsApp to a woman residing in the United Kingdom. He was arrested after the woman lodged a complaint upon arriving in Nepal.
According to the police, the woman was acquainted with Pandey, and their relationship deteriorated, escalating the dispute. Known as an “environmentalist”, Pandey joined RSP under Ravi Lamichhane in Bhadra 2079 (2022). In 2080 BS, during RSP’s tenure in government, he was also appointed a member of the National Planning Commission.
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