KATHMANDU, Nov 9: Nepali Congress (NC) has passed a condolence motion expressing sorrow over the demise of party leader and former minister Mohammad Aftab Alam, a controversial figure accused of burning workers alive in a brick kiln in Rautahat during the 2008 Constituent Assembly elections.
According to Krishna Prasad Paudel, chief secretary of the Congress Central Office, an urgent meeting of the Central Working Committee chaired by Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka was convened on Saturday morning to pass the condolence motion. The meeting also decided to fly the party flag at half-mast for three days in honor of Alam’s “contributions to the party and the nation”.
The Congress expressed profound sadness over the loss of the 63-year-old leader, describing him as a dedicated democrat who played a crucial role in strengthening the party organization and advancing Nepal’s democratic movements.
Alam passed away on Friday night while undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Medical College in Sinamangal, Kathmandu.
NA passes condolence motion on demise of ex-lawmaker Alam
Born on June 19, 1962 BS, in Rajpur Farhadwa VDC-4 of Rautahat, Alam began his political career through the Nepal Students’ Union in 1979 BS. Over the years, he emerged as one of the influential figures of the Nepali Congress from Rautahat.
He was elected from Rautahat Constituency No 2 in multiple elections — including the March 1997 by-election, the April and May 1999 election, the April 2008 Constituent Assembly election, and the April and May 2017 House of Representatives election. Throughout his political career, he held various ministerial portfolios and was elected as a central member during the party’s 12th General Convention in September 2010.
Despite his conviction in murder by the district court, which was overturned by the high court, the Nepali Congress fondly recalled Alam’s long-standing commitment to the democratic cause, noting that he actively participated in several political struggles, endured imprisonment multiple times, and made significant contributions to the party’s organizational growth.
During the meeting, the Central Working Committee observed a minute of silence to honor his memory and service.
The NC also announced that a condolence book will be kept at the central, provincial, and district offices until the 13th day following Alam’s passing, allowing party members, supporters, and the public to offer their tributes. The party flag will fly at half-mast on November 8, 9 and 10.
Alam, considered a close ally of NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, had a checkered past regarding his alleged role in the accidental blast of home-made bombs prepared by workers under his instructions on the eve of 2008 first Constituent Assembly elections. Those injured in the blast were allegedly burnt inside a brick kiln to cover up the incident.
The explosion allegedly took place while bombs were being made at the residence of Alam’s late uncle, Sheikh Idrish, with the motive of creating terror during the election.
Investigations and legal proceedings were delayed for many years. A case was eventually filed on November 4, 2019 against Alam and others.
On April 25, 2024, the Rautahat District Court convicted Alam, his brother Mohammad Mahatab Alam, Sheikh Saraj and Badri Sahani and sentenced them to life imprisonment on charges of murder, attempted murder, and use of explosives.
However, the Janakpur High Court’s Birgunj bench on May 28, 2025 overturned the district court’s verdict, acquitting Alam and other co-accused, citing insufficient evidence.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, seeking a reversal of the May 28 verdict issued by the Birgunj bench of the High Court Janakpur in the high-profile murder case.
