Author: space4knews

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has requested the Swiss Ambassador to assist in repatriating funds acquired through corruption by senior Nepali officials held in Swiss banks. During a courtesy meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs today, Minister Gurung appealed to Ambassador Daniel Maweley to collaborate in investigating whether illegally acquired money from corruption and other criminal activities is stored in Swiss banks. He further urged that if such funds are identified, arrangements be made for their return to the Nepalese government as per official requests.

At the meeting, Ambassador Maweley congratulated Minister Gurung and extended her best wishes for a successful tenure. She also raised the subject of bilateral cooperation on migration issues. Minister Gurung informed her that this topic is currently under discussion. Additionally, the ambassador expressed the Swiss government’s commitment to providing necessary support to strengthen Nepal’s early warning systems for disaster management, climate change, and disaster risk reduction.

The District Court of Lalitpur has acquitted five individuals in the honey trap case. Inspector Binu Shahi, Bhimadevi Thapa, Susma Bik, Assistant Havildar Mahendra Hamal, and Darshan Pokharel were all released by the court. However, Taj Islam was found guilty and sentenced to one year and six months in prison along with a fine of NPR 30,000. Police investigations revealed that Taj’s group used Susma to extort money from a businessman. Reported from Kathmandu, 25 Chaitra.

In a case involving the use of a woman to trap and accuse someone of rape (honey trap), five individuals were acquitted. Judge Tikaram Paudel’s bench discharged Inspector Binu Shahi and others. Taj Islam, also known as Tajmulla Islam, was found guilty and sentenced to one year and six months imprisonment along with a fine of NPR 30,000. The case involved charges related to illicit gains and organized crime.

The businessman and defendant Susma Bik had known each other since Shrawan 2081 (July-August 2024). Susma was employed at a hotel in Morang, and their relationship grew closer over time. Police investigations revealed that upon discovering the relationship between Susma and the victim businessman, Taj’s group exploited Susma to extort money.

Police concluded that Taj and Darshan traveled via plane from Sunsari to Kathmandu, while Susma and Bhima arrived by vehicle. On 7 Ashoj (September 23), the businessman filed a complaint with the Bhaisepati police station citing disturbance of peace and security. Following this, the money extortion scheme reportedly began. A committee was formed by the Lalitpur complex to investigate the case. The committee discovered the disappearance of the honey trap’s chief planner Taj Islam’s mobile phone and a check worth NPR 1 million during the investigation.

The Ministry of Education has declared that student enrollment and fee collection by schools before the start of the 2083 academic session is illegal. Following the government’s decision to begin the academic year on 15th Baisakh 2083, the ministry has also warned that schools which do not refund fees collected prematurely will face penalties. While private school operators claim they are collecting enrollment and fees only according to the set dates, the ministry has established a help desk to address related concerns. (March 25, Kathmandu)

Parents of students attending a private school in Kathmandu have expressed concerns, saying, “The academic session 2083 has not officially started yet, but the school has already issued invoices for the annual fees. Are we supposed to pay now?” This issue is not isolated, as many parents have received similar fee invoices. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has stated that such fee collection is illegal.

The government has decided to commence the 2083 academic session from Baisakh 15. However, the ministry has cautioned that initiating student enrollment and sending fee invoices before the session begins will result in action against the schools involved. Ministry spokesperson Shivkumar Sapkota stated, “Such illegal activities in the respectful and responsible system of school management are not only inappropriate but punishable as well.”

Private school operators were preparing to start the new academic session from Baisakh 1, but after the government fixed the start date for Baisakh 15, they have halted the enrollment and fee collection processes. Suwas Nyaupane, president of the Nepal Private Schools Operation Association (NPABSON), confirmed that enrollment has been suspended following the recent government decision. The Ministry of Education clarified that violations of regulations could lead to fines up to NPR 25,000 as well as revocation of school licenses.

Additionally, the Ministry of Education has set up a help desk for complaints and grievances related to student fees. Director Nima Prakash Singh Rathour has been designated as the contact person for the help desk. According to regulations, fees can only be collected under 14 specific categories.

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has launched a special mechanism to take action against abuse and exploitation occurring within educational institutions. Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel announced the implementation of a ‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding this matter. Minister Pokharel urged victims and informants to report incidents, assuring that their identities will be kept completely confidential.

Kathmandu, 25 Chaitra — The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has established a dedicated mechanism to prosecute those responsible for abuse and exploitation in educational institutions. According to Minister Pokharel, this mechanism operates under a strict ‘zero tolerance’ policy against any form of abuse or exploitation within teaching institutions.

“This special mechanism is designed to seriously address any incidents of harassment or abuse experienced by students, to hear complaints directly, and to promptly initiate legal and administrative actions,” said Minister Pokharel. Emphasizing full confidentiality and security of the victim’s or informant’s identity, the minister encouraged the registration of complaints. “The government expects active participation and cooperation in this campaign to create a safe educational environment,” he added.

Following an investigation by the Anti-Money Laundering Department, Kathmandu District Court has issued an arrest warrant against former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Dr. Arju Rana Deuba. The couple left for medical treatment in Singapore on February 27 and are currently reported to be in Hong Kong. After the issuance of the arrest warrant, the Nepal Police are moving forward with the process to detain the couple through Interpol. Kathmandu, March 8.

An arrest warrant has been issued against former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Dr. Arju Rana Deuba. This action was taken following the discovery of irregular business activities involving the Deuba family, based on recommendations by the Anti-Money Laundering Department. Consequently, Kathmandu District Court issued the arrest warrant. Although the warrant has been issued, the couple is not currently in Nepal; they traveled to Singapore for medical treatment on February 27 and then moved to Hong Kong on March 21.

According to sources, they remain in Hong Kong. Despite the warrant, since they are abroad, Nepal Police are advancing procedures to effect their arrest via Interpol. Given that Interpol requires official court documents, police have begun preparing the necessary paperwork. “Previously, it was not possible to issue an Interpol notice because Interpol needed the court documents first. However, now that the pathway is open, the process will proceed,” stated a senior police officer.

The National Central Bureau (NCB) at the Nepal Police Headquarters will facilitate the issuance of the Interpol notice. Once issued, the 196 Interpol member countries will be authorized to arrest the Deuba couple and initiate legal proceedings to bring them back to Nepal. While the couple remains abroad, demolition work was carried out at the Deuba residence in Budhanilkantha. However, the administration ordered a halt to the demolition to prevent destruction of evidence, ensuring the process is paused upon official instruction.

Gujarat Titans secured their first victory in IPL 2026 by narrowly defeating Delhi Capitals by 1 run. Delhi scored 209 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs, with KL Rahul contributing 92 runs. Gujarat captain Shubman Gill led the chase with 70 runs, supported by half-centuries from Washington Sundar and Jos Buttler. March 25, Kathmandu.

Despite an outstanding batting performance from KL Rahul and David Miller, Delhi Capitals suffered their first defeat in IPL 2026. In the match played on Wednesday, Gujarat Titans defeated Delhi by a slim margin of one run to claim their inaugural win of the season. Chasing a target of 211 runs, Delhi managed only 209 in 20 overs, losing 8 wickets. Rahul struck 92 runs off 52 balls, including 11 fours and 4 sixes.

On the final ball of the 17th over, Rahul was dismissed, leaving Delhi needing 45 runs from 18 balls. David Miller then brought Delhi close to victory by adding 32 runs in the 18th and 19th overs, reducing the target to 13 runs off 6 balls. Renowned bowler Krishna was brought in for the final over. Miller was non-striker while Vipraj Nigam faced the first ball, hitting a long off four. He was dismissed on the second ball. Kuldeep Yadav took a single on the third ball to give Miller the strike, and on the fourth ball, Miller hit a six. With 2 runs needed off 2 balls, Miller played a dot ball on the fifth delivery. On the final ball, Miller missed the bat and in an attempt to take a bye, Kuldeep was run out. Gujarat thus clinched the match by a narrow margin of 1 run. Miller remained unbeaten on 41 runs off 20 balls.

Gujarat posted 210 runs for 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Three batsmen scored half-centuries for Gujarat. Opener and captain Shubman Gill scored the highest, 70 runs off 45 balls, including 4 fours and 5 sixes. Washington Sundar contributed 55 runs, while Jos Buttler scored 52. For Delhi, Mukesh Kumar took 2 wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi claimed one wicket each. With this win, Gujarat earned 2 points from three matches, while Delhi, having suffered their first defeat, hold 4 points from three games.

Summary: The Constitutional Council has indicated that it will take some more time to reach full composition to appoint the Chief Justice and officials of constitutional bodies. The Nepali Congress’s delay in selecting the parliamentary party leader and the absence of the election process for the Deputy Speaker have prevented the council from becoming complete. According to constitutional expert Dr. Chandrakant Gyawali, the council’s incompleteness is causing delays in filling vacancies in the Supreme Court and the Election Commission and impeding good governance.
March 9, Kathmandu. The Constitutional Council, responsible for recommending appointments of the Chief Justice and heads or officials of constitutional bodies, is yet to attain full composition. The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has delayed selecting its parliamentary party leader, and the election process for choosing the Deputy Speaker has not yet begun, further prolonging the council’s incompleteness.

Constituted under Article 284 of the Constitution, the Constitutional Council is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes members such as the Chief Justice, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chairperson of the National Assembly, leader of the main opposition party, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The council recommends appointments for key positions in various constitutional bodies including the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, Public Service Commission, Election Commission, and National Human Rights Commission. Until the council is complete, the appointment processes for these bodies cannot proceed.

More than a month has passed since the House of Representatives election, yet the main opposition Nepali Congress has not finalized its parliamentary party leader. Discussions are ongoing among the top leadership regarding selecting either Arjun Narasingh KC or Bhismraj Angdembe, both proportional representation members of parliament, by consensus. On Monday, attempts were made to reach an agreement among the party chairman, deputy chairman, and general secretaries. However, since the 2008 election, no parliamentary party leader has been chosen unanimously in Congress. Internal factionalism peaked after the last general convention leadership election, making it more likely that the leader will be selected through a vote this time.

Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel has stated that the party’s parliamentary leader will be selected within March. He remarked, “Discussions to select the leader by consensus are ongoing. The Congress will decide on the parliamentary party leader within this month.” Congress co-general secretary Prakash Rasaili ‘Snehi’ expressed hope that the parliamentary party leader will be selected by the New Year, stating, “Talks are underway, and the Congress will have its parliamentary leader by the New Year.”

Similarly, delays in electing the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives have also contributed to the Constitutional Council’s incompleteness. As a result, the appointment process for the Chief Justice is expected to face further delays. Currently, the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice position is vacant, and the Election Commission also lacks a chairperson. These delays in selecting the opposition party leader and the Deputy Speaker will inevitably postpone filling vacancies in the Supreme Court, the Election Commission, and other constitutional commissions.

According to the Constitution, if the Chief Justice’s position becomes vacant, the government’s law minister serves as a member of the Constitutional Council to recommend appointments. The council must recommend appointments for the Chief Justice or other constitutional body heads at least one month before the position becomes vacant. However, in cases of death or resignation, the council has a constitutional provision to recommend appointments within one month from the vacancy date.

Constitutional expert Dr. Chandrakant Gyawali has stated that delays in selecting the opposition party leader and Deputy Speaker have prevented the Constitutional Council from reaching full membership. The council’s incompleteness weakens the functioning of the judiciary and other commissions, thereby affecting good governance. “Vacant posts such as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and those within constitutional commissions remain unfilled, hampering their effective functioning,” Gyawali said. “It is certain that incomplete membership adversely impacts these institutions.” He further added, “The council’s recommendations are the first and most crucial step towards full composition of the Supreme Court and constitutional commissions. Only after the council makes its recommendations can parliamentary hearings become active.”

March 25, Kathmandu – Two brothers were fatally stabbed near Krishna Mandir in Patan, Lalitpur. The victims, 33-year-old Sumit Nembang and his 26-year-old brother Sirjan Nembang, were attacked with a knife by Sanjeev Nepali. Both were seriously injured and taken to B and B Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries, according to Lalitpur Police Chief SSP Hobindra Bogati.

Police apprehended two suspects while they were attempting to flee the scene. The incident reportedly began on Wednesday evening when the Nembang brothers received a phone call from Sanjeev. Though the parties did not know each other, a brief conversation ensued after the call from an unknown number, which soon escalated into a dispute. Following the rising tensions over the phone, Sanjeev invited the brothers to meet him in Patan. When the brothers, who reside in Imadol, arrived, Sanjeev, who works at a butcher shop, attacked them with a meat-cutting knife.

March 8, Myagdi – A collision between a bus and a truck on Wednesday evening in Jaleshwor, ward number 9 of Beni Municipality, Myagdi district, left 15 Indian pilgrims injured. The bus, bearing registration number Ga 2 Kha 1457, was traveling from Mustang to Pokhara, while the truck, with registration Ga Pra 01001 Kha 0012, was heading from Bhairahawa toward Dana Rupse when the accident occurred. According to Inspector Sagar Timilsina of the Myagdi District Police Office, the front sections of both vehicles were completely damaged.

Out of 24 passengers aboard the bus, nine, including the driver and assistant driver, were reported safe. The injured are Indian pilgrims returning from completing the Muktinath pilgrimage in Mustang, Inspector Timilsina informed. The injured include 62-year-old Deepakraj Mittal and 63-year-old Shankar Lal Keshwani from Uttar Pradesh; 42-year-old Kriti Sharma and 38-year-old Gaurav Saini; 72-year-old Raj Adolia from Gujarat; 20-year-old Simran Sahay; 67-year-old Prema Sharma from Haryana; 53-year-old Alka Gupta from Uttar Pradesh; 58-year-old Arvind Bhatt from Jaipur, Rajasthan; 69-year-old Ramgopal Sharma and 48-year-old Bandhana Sharma from Delhi; 37-year-old Richa Kaushik and 39-year-old Gaurav Kaushik from Madhya Pradesh; as well as 48-year-old Vinit Goyal and 42-year-old Niru Chaudhary from Gujarat, according to police records.

Hospital reports indicate that the majority of the injured sustained injuries to their faces, hands, and legs. The bus driver, 31-year-old Vikas Jisi from Lahachok, Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality-4 in Kaski, is involved in assisting with the treatment of the injured. Meanwhile, the truck driver, 28-year-old Narayan Prasad Sharma from Dhairing, Jaljala Rural Municipality-7 in Parbat, remains in contact with the police, according to authorities.