SC paves way for conflict-era murder probe against Agni Prasad Sapkota

KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has cleared the way for an investigation into the murder case against Vice-Chairperson of the Maoist Centre and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives Agni Prasad Sapkota.

A constitutional bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a writ of certiorari, overturning a previous decision to keep the complaint against Sapkota in abeyance. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut and Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma and Dr. Kumar Chudal, issued the order.

The apex court’s decision means the police must now proceed with the investigation which had remained stalled for years despite an earlier court order to register the complaint.

Sapkota has been accused of abducting and murdering Arjun Lama of Kavre. Lama’s wife, Purnimaya Lama, filed a case at the Kavre District Court in December 2012, alleging Sapkota’s direct involvement in her husband’s killing. The case eventually reached the Supreme Court on appeal.

Arjun Lama was abducted and killed on April 29, 2005. After his death, Purnimaya lodged a complaint naming Sapkota and several other Maoist leaders and cadres. Initially, police refused to register the case. However, in 2007, the Supreme Court ordered its registration.

Although arrest warrants were issued subsequently, the investigation was halted after the government, led by then-Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, decided on July 27, 2012, to suspend the case.

The latest Supreme Court ruling has nullified that decision.