Former Speaker Mahara acquitted of attempted rape charge

KATHMANDU, Feb 17: Kathmandu District Court Monday has acquitted former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara of attempted rape charges.

A single bench of judge Amar Raj Paudel took to decision to clear Mahara of all charges today, after completing the hearing.

District Attorney Office, Kathmandu had filed a case against the former Speaker demanding a maximum of five years of imprisonment and additional two and a half years in jail since he holds a public position as per the existing law.

Mahara was arrested from his official residence in Baluwatar on October 6, after a female parliament secretariat staffer filed a complaint against him accusing him of sexual assault at her Tinkune-based apartment on the night of Sept 30.

He resigned from his position as Speaker following the accusation.

But, Mahara has not resigned as the Member of Parliament. Now, he could return to his duty as full member.

The district court on Nov 4 had remanded him to into judicial custody in Dillibazar prison.

But, on Nov 21, Mahara had moved the Patan High Court challenging the district court’s decision, demanding a bail.

But the high court had denied the bail stating he could not be bailed since the prima facie evidence went against Mahara; and had ordered the district court to decide the case within one month.

However, Mahara had been denying the charges.

He will be released from Dillibazar prison today, it has been learned.