RSP central member Pandey faces cybercrime case
Based on the investigation report submitted by the police, the District Attorney’s Office registered the case on Thursday.
KATHMANDU: A case has been filed against Dr. Araniko Pandey, a central member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), under the Electronic Transactions Act at the Kathmandu District Court.
Based on the investigation report submitted by the police, the District Attorney’s Office registered the case on Thursday.
Judge Dhurvaraj Karki has commenced Pandey’s statement.
Following the testimony, a hearing on pretrial detention will determine whether Pandey will be remanded, released on bail, or allowed temporary release.
Sources indicate that the pretrial hearing may conclude today.
Pandey was arrested on Wednesday evening by the Central Cyber Bureau at Bhotahiti for allegedly using abusive language via email and WhatsApp against a woman residing in the UK.
The woman filed a complaint after visiting Nepal. Police have stated that the two were previously acquainted, and the dispute escalated after their relationship soured.
The court had granted police four days to detain Pandey for further investigation. However, the decision to keep Pandey in custody—while a similar case involving UML leader Ain Mahar was handled with a summons—has drawn public criticism, prompting the authorities to fast-track the case.
Pandey, an environmentalist, joined Raswapa in Bhadra 2079 under the leadership of Rabi Lamichhane and later became a member of the National Planning Commission when Raswapa joined the government in 2080.
