Attorney General Under Political Pressure Regarding Khand’s Case

In a developing controversy, the office of the Attorney General is reportedly facing heightened political pressure not to file a petition against former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand in the Supreme Court. This comes in the wake of the Patan High Court’s order to release Khand on a bail of Rs 3 million in connection to the fake Bhutanese refugee scam.

Sources within the Attorney General’s Office, choosing to remain anonymous, revealed that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has allegedly requested a halt to filing a petition in the Supreme Court due to substantial pressure from top leadership within the Nepali Congress. As a result, all processes have been suspended, raising concerns about the potential impact on the ongoing case against Khand and others involved in the fake refugee scandal.

The case, initially filed in Kathmandu district court last May, accuses politicians and employees of engaging in activities against national interests, fraud, and organized crime related to the fake refugee scheme. On June 16, 2023, Judge Prem Prasad Neupane issued a controversial order, imprisoning 16 individuals while granting bail to two others, including Balkrishna Khand. The order stated, “Based on current evidence, it does not appear that these defendants are currently not guilty.”

The decision not to challenge the High Court’s order in the Supreme Court has raised concerns about the potential implications for justice and the duration of Khand’s freedom until the resolution of the fake Bhutanese refugee scam. The situation is evolving, with stakeholders closely watching the developments surrounding this politically charged legal saga.