Though Parsa district police submitted a charge-sheet at the Office of Public Prosecutor indicting Shah in a murder charge, the office registered the charge-sheet only against the minister´s aides Siya Ram Kusuwaha and four others. [break]
The district police had concluded that Bishwo Hindu Yuba Sangh Chairman Kashinath Tiwari was shot dead on direct instruction from Shah.
“We didn´t register a charge-sheet against Minister Shah as there was not sufficient evidence in the documents prepared by the police to prove his involvement in the murder," said Joint District Prosecutor Satya Narayal Yadav, adding, " A charge-sheet can be registered against Minister Shah if enough evidence is found later.”
Parsa police has demanded 15 years imprisonment against Shah, claiming that he masterminded the murder.
Though Shah was spared, Parsa Public Prosecutor´s Office filed the charge-sheet against his aides, demanding life imprisonment.
Similarly, the office sought 10 years imprisonment for Aman Kusuwaha, 25, citing his presence at the murder site with arms and vehicles. Kusuwaha, who had been at large following the murder, was arrested in Birgunj, Ranighat two months ago.
The prosecutor´s office has also demanded up to three years for Mukesh Saraf and Bali Ram Shah for abetting the murder.
Joint District Prosecutor Satya Narayal Yadav
The office spared three others as well, stating that details submitted by Tiwari´s widow Babita were insufficient.
Prosecutor remained absent
District Prosecutor Om Prasad Aryal was absent when his office filed the cases at the district court. Aryal was reportedly under tremendous tension after police submitted the charge-sheet against Shah and his aides.
"He is sick and couldn´t come to office," said Joint District Prosecutor Yadav.
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