Convicted Mastermind of Tikapur Massacre Walks Free on Republic Day

Former lawmaker Resham Chaudhary was released from Dillibazar prison on Monday, following a presidential pardon granted on the auspicious occasion of Republic Day.

President Ramchandra Paudel, acting on the government’s recommendation, made the compassionate decision to commute Chaudhary’s remaining jail term on Sunday. Chaudhary had been serving a life sentence after being convicted of orchestrating the tragic Tikapur massacre in 2015.

Having spent a grueling five years behind bars, the Nagarik Unmukti Party leader now steps back into society, marking the end of a challenging chapter in his life.

During a Cabinet meeting held on Sunday, the government formally requested President Paudel to exercise his powers and pardon the remaining jail terms of 501 convicts, including Chaudhary, as part of the Republic Day observances.

This recommendation aligns with the provisions outlined in Article 276 of the Constitution of Nepal, empowering the President to grant pardons, suspend, commute, or remit any sentence issued by a Court, judicial or quasi-judicial institution, or administrative authority. The government’s decision adheres to the legal framework governing such matters.

Tikapur incident had resulted in the tragic deaths of several law enforcement officers, including Senior Superintendent of Police Laxman Neupane, Police Inspectors Balaram Bista and Keshav Bohara, constables Shyam Bahadur Khadka and Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Armed Police Senior Constable Lalit Saud, Assistant Constable Ram Bihari Chaudhary, and Police Constable Janak Negi.

The District Court Kailali and the High Court Dipayal had previously sentenced Resham Chaudhary to life imprisonment for his involvement in the incident.

The Supreme Court had also upheld the decision of the High Court.