Bharati Manandhar in hunger strike protesting against killer’s release

Bharati Manandhar has started a hunger strike as an act of protest against the amnesty granted to YograjDhakal, from Nepalgunj, Banke.Dhakal is also known as Regal. 

Regal had been imprisoned for the murder of Bharati’s husband, Chetan Manandhar, and his release, following the recommendation of the government and the subsequent approval by President Ram Chandra Paudel on September 20, on the occasion of the Constitution Day has prompted widespread outrage.

Bharati initiated her hunger strike at Maitighar Mandal on Wednesday morning, demanding the immediate return of the convicted murderer to prison. She fervently stated, “The perpetrator must be re-incarcerated.”

Dhakal had previously got a life sentence for his role in Chetan’s murder.

CPN-UML chairperson KP Oli raised concerns during a House of Representatives meeting on last week, questioning the rationale behind granting impunity to Dhakal.

Leaders from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) said to have been met with President Paudel and submitted a three-point letter highlighting the concerns on the amnesty decision.

Furthermore, Nepal Congress leaders GaganThapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma of the ruling Nepali Congress also expressed their opposition to the government’s recommendation of amnesty for Dhakal.

Bharati Manandhar has filed a writ against the decision of the government to grant pardon to Dhakal at the Supreme Court.

Chetan Manandhar was killed in Nepalgunj on July 13, 2015 by Dhakal. Banke district court had convicted him for murder and issued life sentence to him. 

President Paudel has defended the move citing the constitutional provision in which the President is not supposed to reject submission on any topic brought by the government.  President’s move, however, has met with fierce criticism from the public.