Government spokesperson says Cholendra was moved to a safe location

KATHMANDU: Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel has commented on the detention of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana.

Speaking to journalists after the Cabinet meeting, Pokharel claimed that Rana was not arrested but moved to a safe location due to heightened security concerns.

He said the move was made in response to a request from Rana’s family for additional security personnel, adding that the police had been informed about the security concerns.

“Former Chief Justice Cholendra was neither arrested nor taken into custody. He was moved to a safe location after security concerns increased due to the situation surrounding him,” Pokharel told reporters. “This issue has already been discussed. His family had also requested additional security personnel.”

Leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have claimed that Rana was arrested and alleged that the move was intended to intimidate his daughter and frighten his daughter-in-law.

Senior party leader Amaresh Kumar Singh and party leader Ranju Darshana have also publicly opposed the move, while other lawmakers have remained silent.