Himal Press 
Police psersonnel escorting Charles Shobhraj (front) to Department of Immigration after his release in Kathmandu.
KATHMANDU: Noted serial killer Charles Shobhraj was released from the Central Jail on Friday after spending nearly two decades behind the bars.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered Shobhraj’s release on the grounds of his age and health. But the country’s top court has ordered the Department of Immigration to ensure that he leaves the country within two weeks.
The department is preparing to deport him to France.
Sobhraj, 78, was released as per a law that allows older prisoners to be freed after serving 75% of their term if they require medical treatment or have exhibited good behavior in jail.
The apex court’s order came about a year after it issued a showcause notice to the government about why Sobhraj should not be released after spending 18 years in prison.
Sobhraj was convicted in 2003 on the charge of murdering two North American tourists – Connie Jo Boronzich (29) of the US and his Canadian girlfriend Laurent Carriere (26) – in the 1970s.
