KATHMANDU, Jan 12: The Kathmandu District Court on Tuesday upheld the government´s decision to withdraw cases against Reporter´s Club President Rishi Dhamala and three other journalists. They were accused of involvement in extortion and bomb blasts carried out under instructions from Ranabir Sena, an underground outfit.
A single bench of Justice Shekhar Prasad Paudel issued the verdict. Earlier, the district court had refused to withdraw cases against Dhamala stating that charges could not be withdrawn partially. About two months ago, the cabinet had decided to withdraw the case against Dhamala and two others, while Manoj Mahato, one of the four accused, was still under detention.
“The documents show that the cabinet had decided to withdraw cases against all four journalists. Hence the bench has decided to uphold the decision,” reads the court verdict.
Three journalists Birendra KM, Ram Subhak Mahato and Manoj Mahato were arrested along with Dhamala for their alleged involvement in the illegal activities of Ranabir Sena.