KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Vice Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel, who was arrested on Monday in connection with a money laundering case, was produced before the Special Court on Tuesday.
Paudel was arrested from the premises of Shubha Hotel in Birendranagar, Surkhet, and was brought to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj on Tuesday morning for a remand hearing.
The court is currently hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense. The Special Court will decide whether Poudel should remain in custody or be allowed to stay out of detention while investigations continue.
Arguing on behalf of Paudel, senior advocate Ramesh Badal claimed that the arrest was politically motivated and carried out by the government led by Balen Shah.
“Bishnu Paudel has been arrested because he is the vice chair of the UML. This is an act of political retaliation,” Badal argued. “There appears to be a systematic attempt to target leaders of political parties one by one. After political leaders, the government may move against others who oppose it.”
Badal also questioned the allegations linking Paudel to the sale of shares in Shriram Tobacco.
“Bishnu Prasad Paudel is being implicated simply because another company purchased shares of Shriram Tobacco,” he said. “There is no evidence showing that Poudel directed, facilitated, or was involved in the transaction in any manner.”
Referring to businessman Kamal Kishore Malpani, the owner of Current and Lali noodle brands and tobacco-related industries, Badal raised questions over the government’s investigation priorities.
“Who received the vehicle provided by Malpani? Was it not Balen Shah?” he asked. “Who used that vehicle? Someone who rode in a vehicle worth around Rs 80 million is not being questioned or arrested, while another person is being detained in such a speculative manner over a money laundering case.”
He further expressed concern that filing such cases without sufficient grounds could have serious consequences, including disqualifying individuals from holding public office.
“In recent times, even our courts seem to be watching silently,” Badal said. “The person who allegedly received the vehicle from Malpani is not facing any action despite questions surrounding the matter. This appears to be a publicity stunt.”
Drawing historical comparisons, Badal criticized what he described as excessive state action, saying, “At one time, Mussolini and Hitler also consolidated power before spreading destruction. We must be cautious about such tendencies.”
Badal concluded by arguing that the government had failed to produce any evidence capable of establishing Poudel’s involvement in the alleged offense and requested the court to release him without keeping him in custody.
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