KATHMANDU: Sabitra Basnet, the wife of Bharat Basnet, a police officer currently stationed at the Bhaktapur Police Complex, has accused her husband of committing bigamy and demanded legal action.
Speaking at a press conference organized at the Reporters Club on Wednesday, Sabitra alleged that the police organization itself has been aiding her husband’s escape from justice. She said she had no option but to turn to the media in her pursuit of justice.
Sabitra filed a complaint after her husband allegedly married another woman, Meena Baniya from Kaski, without divorcing her. Following the complaint, the district court issued an arrest warrant against Bharat Basnet. However, Sabitra claimed that her husband has been absconding in full police uniform, with support from insiders within the department. Friday marked the 19th day since he went on the run.
Bharat has filed for divorce, but Sabitra stated that she is not in a relationship with anyone else, has fulfilled all her responsibilities as a wife, and still loves her husband. She made it clear that she is not willing to consent to the divorce.
She demanded that Bharat Basnet be punished under Clause 175 (4) of the Criminal Code Act, 2017, for taking a second wife while still legally married. She also called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of both Bharat Basnet and Meena Baniya.
Sabitra further appealed for her and her children’s safety, alleging that her husband has repeatedly threatened to kill her and their two children. The couple married in April 2011 and have a 14-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter.
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