Special Court orders Bishnu Paudel’s release on regular court appearance

Kathmandu / July 17: The Special Court has ordered the release of former Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel on a regular court appearance, ruling that there is no need to keep him in custody or require bail while the case proceeds.

A bench comprising judges Narayan Prasad Paudel, Dilliratna Shrestha and Bidur Koirala concluded that the available evidence does not establish Paudel’s involvement in the alleged offense at this stage.

The court said Paudel denied the allegations during his statement and found no evidence that he had financial transactions with Deepak Bhatt or had received any property or financial benefit linked to the case.

Based on these findings, the bench ordered that Paudel be released on a regular court date rather than being detained or released on bail.

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation had arrested Paudel from Surkhet on June 22. He had remained under investigation after his judicial custody was extended several times.