How Inam Sapkota tested the state
Summary
Inam Sapkota’s arrest has expanded into a major controversy involving the Prime Minister’s Office, police leadership, Supreme Court judges and the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party. Investigators say he used his claimed access to power to approach judges, police officials and others, while questions grow over possible attempts to influence state institutions.
Key Points
- Inam Sapkota’s arrest at Tribhuvan International Airport triggered a widening scandal involving judges, police officials and the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Police say Sapkota communicated with sitting Supreme Court judges, including Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal, about pending cases and other political matters.
- The controversy has raised impeachment talk inside the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party and intensified scrutiny of the judiciary and executive.
- Journalists who reported the communications were arrested, drawing criticism and further complicating the government’s response.
