Why did police take Rana away at midnight—and release him the next day?
Summary
Former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana was taken from his home in Kathmandu at midnight and brought to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, only to be released the next day. The move has triggered criticism and questions over its legal basis, with police saying it was done for Rana’s protection amid an alleged security threat.
Key Points
- Police took former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office around midnight on Saturday, saying it was for his protection.
- The move followed pressure from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, which had concerns about Rana’s political contacts and his alleged interest in controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta’s case.
- Police later released Rana to his family and arranged security at his residence, but legal experts and political leaders said the action had no clear legal basis.
- The incident revived scrutiny of Rana’s past impeachment case and the broader use of state power against a former top judge.
