Nepal lawmaker demands probe into former king's role in protests

KATHMANDU:

Rastriya Prajatantra Party

(RPP) senior vice-president Rabindra Mishra and general secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana, a member of the lower house, were remanded in custody for five days by Kathmandu district court judge Taradevi Maharjan. The court permitted further investigation under charges related to crimes against the state. The duo were among 11 people presented in court Monday, said court information officer Deepak Kumar Shrestha. Mishra was handcuffed; Rana was not.
Rana's daughter Shivangini told TOI that her father had been diagnosed with cancer at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in India in Nov. He had just completed a round of radiation therapy and was due to return to India for follow-up treatment, but was not allowed to leave. "I won't be surprised if they (govt) slap ridiculous charges against him," she said.
Shivangini added that the family had been informed verbally by officials that the passports of both members were being held "until further notice", but no formal communication had been received.
Meanwhile, during a session of the federal parliament on Monday, lawmakers from the ruling coalition demanded that former king Gyanendra Shah's passport also be impounded in connection with the violent demonstrations. Rastriya Janamorcha MP Chitra Bahadur KC said that a thorough investigation into the former king's role was "essential to protect the republic".

Ramhari Sharma Kafle, chief of the Kathmandu district public prosecutor's office, said Mishra, Rana and others may be charged with crimes against the state after preliminary investigation. Of the nearly 200 persons - locals, members of various political parties - arrested and detained so far, police have produced 42 people in court, including those held under charges of criminal mischief and organised crime. The rest are under further investigation, police said.
According to officials, the March 28 'Janadolan' - led by the United People's Movement Committee, a coalition supporting monarchy - turned violent and led to widespread vandalism in Kathmandu. Protesters allegedly damaged homes, a hospital, vehicles, and a political party office, and looted a shopping mall. They also reportedly seized a weapon from the armed police. The committee was led by Nawaraj Subedi, who is under house arrest.
In another development, Kathmandu Metropolitan City fined Gyanendra Shah Nepalese Rs 793,000 (INR 4 lakh) for protest-related damage. Officials issued the fine over multiple infractions, including littering streets, breaking public railings and damaging fire engines used during the protest. The city police attempted to deliver the letter at Gyanendra's estate Nirmal Niwas but were turned away by his staff. The notice was later sent by post.