Hearing in Rajapur Bomb Incident Case Involving Former Minister Aftab Alam Postponed

The much-anticipated hearing for the Rajapur bomb incident trial involving former minister and Nepali Congress leader Mohammad Aftab Alam has been postponed, citing the scarcity of judges at the Rautahat District Court. Out of the seven assigned judges, only two were present, leading to the decision to defer the proceedings.

Eleven individuals, including Alam, are facing charges of murder and attempted murder using explosives in connection with the tragic Rajapur bomb incident. Initially scheduled for today, the hearing was rescheduled due to the inadequate number of judges available.

On November 8, the court had mandated the submission of argument notes within 15 days. Although the argument notes were duly submitted on December 10, the hearing did not proceed as planned due to the shortage of judges.

The District Attorney’s Office in Rautahat filed the case against Alam on November 4, seeking life imprisonment on three counts of crime. Alam vehemently denies charges related to the production of explosives and offenses related to murder, maintaining his innocence by asserting that no explosion occurred.

The case has witnessed various twists, with alleged pressure leading to victims changing their statements in court. Among the eleven individuals implicated in the crime, ten face charges of burning those injured in a bomb explosion at a brick kiln, while one person is accused of aiding the crime.

Reports suggest that Alam’s supporters were assembling a bomb under his instructions, resulting in injuries when the bomb accidentally detonated on April 9, 2008, claiming seven lives. The rescheduled hearing date is yet to be announced as the legal proceedings in this complex case continue.