Former Speaker Mahara released without bail in Gold Smuggling Case

KATHMANDU: Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Former Speaker and Vice Chairman of CPN (Maoist Center), has been released without bail under the condition that he cooperates with the Crime Investigation Bureau as needed.

Mahara's release comes after his arrest in Bhairahawa following recommendations from the Gold Smuggling Probe Commission for legal action against him.

Initially granted a four-day remand by the Kathmandu District Court, Mahara's medical condition led to his hospitalization at Norvic Hospital under CIB's instruction.

Despite his assertion of innocence in the gold smuggling case during a statement provided at the public prosecutor’s office since his arrest, both the CIB and the public prosecutor’s office have concluded their recording of Mahara's statement and opted for his release.