KATHMANDU, March 22: Krishna Bahadur Mahara, former Speaker and Vice Chairman of the ruling CPN (Maoist Center), has been released without bail on a condition that he be present at the Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB) as and when needed. 

Mahara was earlier arrested from Kapilvastu after the Gold Smuggling Probe Commission recommended legal actions against him.

The Kathmandu District Court had previously granted permission for a four-day remand of Mahara to facilitate further investigation.

However, due to his medical condition, CIB was instructed to allow Mahara to remain hospitalized, leading to his admission to Norvic Hospital.

Since his arrest, Mahara has provided a statement at the public prosecutor’s office, reiterating his non-involvement in the gold smuggling case.

Both the CIB and the public prosecutor’s office have concluded recording the statement of Mahara over his alleged connection with the gold smuggling case and decided to release him.