Chaitra 24, Syangja – A couple who had been absconding for 29 years after being convicted in a polygamy case has finally been arrested. Umakant Pokharel (also known as Humbahadur Thapa), 52, and Sharadadevi Pokharel, 46, residents of Biruwa Rural Municipality-4, were taken into custody recently. Prashannraj Chaudhary, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and spokesperson for the Syangja District Police Office, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday.
A case against the couple was registered on Vaisakh 19, 2053 BS, accusing them of polygamy. The Syangja District Court found both guilty and sentenced them to two months in prison each. However, they went into hiding before the verdict could be enforced. According to police sources, they evaded punishment by concealing their true identities and living in India. During the investigation, authorities tracked their whereabouts and arrested them, DSP Chaudhary said.
After their arrest, the couple was presented before the court. The court directed their transfer to Syangja District Jail to serve the prison sentence. Police have recently intensified efforts to locate fugitives in order to enforce court orders promptly.
