KATHMANDU, Sept 28: Nepali Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Yubaraj Dulal has demanded a clear explanation from the government over the midnight arrest of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana and his release less than 12 hours later.
Speaking at the House of Representatives (HoR) on Monday, Dulal questioned the government’s decision to arrest Rana, reportedly citing a security threat, and release him after keeping him in custody for around 12 hours. “The former chief justice was said to be a security threat. Are those who pose a security threat arrested, or are those facing a security threat arrested?” Dulal asked.
He said Rana was arrested at midnight without a warrant or a clear reason, arguing that the incident raised questions about whether the government was following the legal process or moving toward anarchy.
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Dulal also questioned what security threat could have been resolved within 12 hours of Rana’s detention. “What kind of security threat ends after keeping someone in custody for 12 hours for criminal investigation? And what was that security threat?” he asked.
He recalled the earlier arrest of a former prime minister, who was surrounded and detained at his residence at midnight before being released by the court. He said Rana had now been arrested in a similar manner.
Dulal also criticized the government for what he described as misplaced priorities at a time when it should be focused on providing relief to people affected by disasters.
He urged the government to run the country in accordance with the Constitution and the law, saying a government elected for a five-year term should not act as if it were a permanent ruler.
Dulal demanded that the government provide clear answers to the public through parliament about its recent activities, particularly decisions and actions taken at midnight. “What do you consume at midnight that makes you enthusiastic, only to regain your senses at noon?” he asked, questioning the government’s working style.
He stressed that the country could not be run in such a manner and urged the government to follow constitutional and legal procedures.
