Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu District Court has ordered the release of Lumbini Province Assembly member Rekha Kumari Sharma.
A single bench of District Judge Jagat Bahadur Paudel issued the order, stating that a review of the case file showed the victim had been continuing her education and that the defendant had been fulfilling the role of a guardian. “Since no objective basis was found to substantiate the allegation that Sharma had tortured the victim and kept her as a slave, the decisions of the Office of the Government Attorney, Kathmandu, and the Patan High Court not to pursue the case are deemed lawful,” the order states.
The Office of the Attorney General had earlier concluded that there were no grounds to keep the defendant in custody for further trial proceedings, directing that the investigation continue after her release. “Since the Office of the Attorney General had already decided not to pursue the case and no circumstances are seen that warrant keeping the defendant in custody for further trial proceedings on the same matter, it is directed that the defendant be released from detention and that the case be investigated while she remains outside custody,” the order states.
KMC officials had rescued a 14-year-old girl from Sharma’s residence in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu, in 2024 following reports that she was being forced to work as a domestic helper, subjected to physical abuse, and prevented from contacting her family.
Police arrested Sharma again on March 29 following the formation of a new government under Balendra Shah. Shah was the mayor of Kathmandu when the 14-year-old was rescued.
