KATHMANDU: Khabarhub provides an in-depth weekly recap of significant events every Monday morning.
Nepal witnessed a blend of loss, legal battles, and political developments last week.
The passing of renowned singer Bhaktaraj Acharya leaves a void in the music industry, while legal complexities surrounding land disputes and financial irregularities continue.
Political parties prepare for crucial by-elections and leadership reshuffling, adding to the dynamic landscape.
The nation faces challenges and opportunities across various fronts, highlighting the diverse facets of its ongoing narrative.
In a saddening turn of events, the legendary Nepali singer Bhaktaraj Acharya passed away at the age of 81. He breathed his last at Lalitpur’s Mediciti Hospital, Nakhkhu, Patan.
His legacy lives on through his sons, Satya Raj Acharya and Sworoop Raj Acharya, known as Satya-Swaroop, who have established themselves as singers.
In another development last week, the Patan High Court issued an interim order preventing the Kathmandu Metropolitan City from evicting the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) office from Lalita Niwas in Baluwatar.
This decision followed a Special Court verdict confiscating structures on government land.
The Patan High Court intervened in the Lalita Niwas land dispute, issuing an order to halt the immediate removal of structures owned by Bhatbhateni Developers Pvt. Ltd. The legal complexities surrounding the case continue to unfold.
Likewise, 10 individuals, including former CEO of Century Commercial Bank Manoj Neupane and former CEO of Century Bank Tulsiram Gautam, were arrested following allegations of irregularities in loan transactions.
Last week, the Nepal Rastra Bank directed the police to investigate banking offenses.
On the political front, with the Election Commission announcing the by-election date, political parties including Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML are gearing up for a crucial showdown in Ilam.
NC picked Dambar Bahadur Khadka as its candidate, while CPN-UML indicated at nominating Suhang Nembang, the son of late Subhash Nembang.
The ruling CPN-Maoist Center designated leaders for various provinces, addressing the responsibilities of in-charges and co-in-charges.
The party also discussed upcoming campaigns, including the Terai Madhes National Awareness Campaign and the Himal-Pahad-Terai National Unity campaign.
On the other hand, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is set to lead a Kathmandu-centric mass movement, intensifying efforts to address the 40-point demands submitted to the government.
The party unveiled plans such as public pressure programs, preparatory activities, and a motorcycle rally leading up to the main event on March 29.
Other developments last week include arrests in connection with gold smuggling, Judicial Council’s Decision, and US-Nepal relations.
Jiwan Kumar Gurung, the Executive Chairman of Platinum College, was arrested in connection with a gold smuggling case involving 14 kg of gold from Tribhuvan International Airport.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Council removed High Court Judge Dr. Navaraj Thapaliya and District Court Judge Ambika Prasad Niraula due to questions about their conduct and competence.
Thapaliya faced disciplinary action, while Niraula faced serious allegations related to abduction and extortion.
In another development last week, US Deputy Assistant Secretary’s Visit: Afreen Akhter, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, arrived in Kathmandu to discuss bilateral relations between the United States and Nepal.
The discussions covered the development of Nepal’s education and health sectors, democratic institutions, and economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, a team of 25 Nepali women leaders from diverse fields embarked on a journey from Kathmandu to Kalapathar, aiming to spotlight the pressing issue of melting mountains due to climate change and its profound effects on local communities in the Everest region.
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