Arrest Warrant Issued Against Former Minister Bijay Kumar Gachchdar and Three Other Ministers

The Kathmandu District Court has taken a significant step in the ongoing investigation of the Lalita Niwas case, issuing arrest warrants against four prominent political figures, including former Physical Planning Minister Bijay Kumar Gachchdar. The arrest warrants were also issued against Minister of State of the same Ministry, Sanjay Shah Takala, and Land Reforms Ministers Chandradev Joshi and Dambar Bahadur Shrestha.

The warrants were issued based on the application of the Central Investigation Bureau, which is conducting a detailed investigation into the misappropriation of government land in Lalita Niwas. The case revolves around the transfer of 143 ropani (approximately 18 acres) of government land located in Baluwatar between the years 2049 and 2069, where land was allegedly transferred to private individuals.

Out of the four accused who received arrest warrants, Gachchdar, Joshi, and Shrestha are currently active in public life, and they are expected to be summoned to the bureau to cooperate with the investigation. Another individual, Saha, has already been imprisoned after being found guilty in the Janakpur bomb blast incident.

The investigation has so far led to the detention of 20 other individuals connected to the incident. The Central Investigation Bureau is working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the alleged land irregularities in Lalita Niwas.

This case gained significant attention when the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority filed charges against 175 individuals, including former Deputy Prime Minister and three former ministers, for their involvement in the land irregularities at Lalita Niwas.

Earlier, Gachchdar was released on bail of Rs 10 lakh in a separate case registered by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority in the special court. However, the recent arrest warrant issued against him and three other ministers signals a more intensified investigation into the matter.

As the Lalita Niwas case continues to unfold, authorities are determined to hold those responsible accountable for any misappropriation of government land and ensure justice prevails. The warrants represent a significant step towards achieving that goal and restoring public trust in the system.