Former Speaker and Vice Chairman of the ruling CPN (Maoist Center), Krishna Bahadur Mahara, has been released without bail under the condition of being available for questioning by the Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB) as required.

Mahara was initially arrested from Kapilvastu following recommendations for legal action by the Gold Smuggling Probe Commission.

The Kathmandu District Court had granted a four-day remand for Mahara to aid further investigation, but due to his medical condition, the CIB was instructed to allow him to remain hospitalized, resulting in his admission to Norvic Hospital.

During his time in custody, Mahara provided a statement at the public prosecutor’s office, maintaining his innocence in the gold smuggling case.

Both the CIB and the public prosecutor’s office have concluded recording his statement regarding his alleged involvement in the smuggling case and have decided to release him.