SC orders makes Phuyal free

Kathmandu, Nov 1- Rajendra Phuyal was today finally released following a second order of the Supreme Court to set him free after 18 months in detention.

A division bench of justices Hari Jung Sijapati and Paramananda Jha directed the Home Ministry, Home Minister Dan Bahadur Shahi, Headquarters of the Police and the Royal Nepalese Army, the Kathmandu District Police Office, Hanuman Dhoka, and the Central Jail to release him. The police released him from the court premises in the presence of Registrar Dr Ram Krishna Timalsena.

On October 28, the apex court had sought the home minister’s explanation on why the government was detaining Phuyal even after the apex court’s order to release him. Shahi, in his explanation, told the court that Paudel was not released even after the court order by the police because the police had started investigating his alleged involvement in another case.

Shahi also said the Patan appellate court had remanded him in detention to interrogate him on another charge.The other authorities have claimed that they have been investigating Phuyal’s alleged involvement in a bomb attack in Jitpurphedi two years ago.

On October 19, a division bench of Justices Min Bahadur Rayamajhi and Balram KC had ordered the government to release the suspect. However, the police did not release him. Phuyal’s father, Khagendra Prasad, had moved the apex court seeking his son’s release.

A free man now, Phuyal said he still fears the authorities may again arrest him. “They tortured me after sending me to several detention centres,” he said.