The Supreme Court has ordered the release of former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka on bail in connection with a money laundering case. Arrested on March 28, Khadka was the subject of a writ petition for habeas corpus filed by his wife, Vinita Thapa. The bench comprising Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla and Justice Shrikant Paudel ruled in favor of Khadka’s release, stipulating that he must seek permission before traveling abroad.
Deepak Khadka, a leader of the Nepali Congress, had been taken into custody for investigation related to the money laundering case. Following his arrest on March 28, his wife Vinita Thapa filed a writ petition for his immediate release. The Supreme Court bench led by Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla and Justice Shrikant Paudel heard the petition and ordered his release on bail, with the added condition that Khadka must obtain court permission prior to any foreign travel.
During the Janajati General Movement protests, Khadka’s residence was targeted by demonstrators who carried out vandalism and arson. Videos circulated on social media showed Nepalese and foreign currency notes burning at his house, with some footage also depicting protesters taking bundles of intact notes. The investigating department previously collected charred currency pieces and ashes from around the site as part of their inquiries. Khadka’s arrest was made to facilitate further investigation into these matters.
