Fake Bhutanese refugee case: Verdict on Friday

The Patan High Court has concluded the appeal petition hearing for the accused in custody pending trial in the case of the fake Bhutanese refugee. The bench, presided over by judges Prakash Kharel and Janak Pandey, finalized the proceedings on Thursday, marking a crucial step in this high-profile case.

Nepali Congress leader Balkrishna Khand, CPN-UML leader Top Bahadur Rayamazhi, former home secretary Teknarayan Pandey, and 20 others had previously been placed in pre-trial detention by the Kathmandu District Court. The charges against them revolve around allegations of facilitating the transportation of Nepali individuals to America by creating false Bhutanese refugee identities.

In response to the Kathmandu District Court’s decision, the accused promptly filed an appeal with the Patan High Court, seeking a reconsideration of their detention and charges. The appeal process reached its culmination on Thursday as the court completed the hearing.

The public and legal experts now await the final judgment, with the verdict expected to be delivered by the Patan High Court on Friday.