Fake Bhutanese refugee case: SC orders explanation for Bechan Jha's detention

Kathmandu, January 16 — The Supreme Court has ordered authorities to provide reasons for the detention of Bechan Jha, who is currently held in custody in the fake Bhutanese refugee case.

The order came on Thursday during the hearing of Jha’s habeas corpus petition, filed by him at the Supreme Court. A bench led by Justice Nityananda Pandey issued the "show cause" order. Jha had filed the habeas corpus petition on Wednesday.

Jha is accused of playing a coordinating role between high political leadership and the Ministry of Home Affairs in the fake Bhutanese refugee case. He was arrested on June 29, and the Kathmandu District Court had ordered his detention until further investigation on August 17.

Jha, claiming the order was unlawful, filed the habeas corpus petition at the Supreme Court. He faces charges related to organized crime, offenses against the state, fraud, and document forgery.