KASKI: The Kaski District Court has made a decision not to cancel the passport of GB Rai, who is currently absconding amid allegations of involvement in a cooperative fraud case.

Judge Hari Prasad Koirala presided over the bench on Sunday and declined the plea to cancel Rai’s passport.

District Police Office Kaski had urged for the cancellation of Rai’s passport, aiming to facilitate his arrest abroad and subsequent extradition to Nepal.

This request was formally presented to the court via the public prosecutor’s office.

However, Judge Koirala’s bench ruled against issuing the order as per the prosecution’s request.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office had invoked Section 15 of the Passport Act, 2076, seeking the cancellation of Rai’s passport. This section mandates a court order for passport cancellation.

Referring to Section 12.1(b) of the Passport Act, Suraj Adhikari, the Information Officer of the District Court explained that the court could intervene in matters related to passport issuance or retention in cases involving immigration, corruption, money laundering, human trafficking, kidnapping, drug and illegal arms trade, organized crime, or terrorism.

Despite the police’s efforts, the Passport Department is yet to take action regarding Rai’s passport status.

Authorities have reportedly been petitioned to suspend Rai’s passport under Section 12, particularly emphasizing the clause pertaining to banks and financial institutions failing to settle debts, leading to blacklisting.