Court begins hearing on Mahara rape allegation case

KATHMANDU, Nov 3: The Kathmandu District Court has begun preliminary hearing on the rape charges against former Speaker of the House of Representatives Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who stepped down after a female colleague accused him of rape attempt and physical assault last month.

Following the conclusion of hearing, the court will decide whether to send him to judicial custody until the final verdict or release him on bail.

Mahara, while recording statement before the court on Friday, has denied visiting the alleged victim and entering the house.

However, alleged victim has claimed that Mahara was in her apartment for two hours when the rape attempt and assault took place.

According to police investigation, Mahara had reportedly left her apartment following the incident.

The police have recovered a broken glass, shoe insole, some leftover whiskey as evidence and traced Mahara’s phone location and CCTV footage.

The district court has sought five years jail term for the former Speaker on the charge of rape attempt and additional two-and-half-years as he holds a public office.

A closed bench is hearing the case.