President Ramchandra Paudel has pardoned the prison sentence of Resham Lal Chaudhary, who is serving life imprisonment.

Chaudhary has been sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in instigating a mob and launching premeditated attacks on police during the 2015 Tikapur incident. Seven police officials and a toddler were killed in the incident.

On Sunday, the government, in new attempts to release Chaudhary of the Nagarik Unmukti Party, had recommended a presidential pardon on the occasion of Republic Day.

The President’s Office informed that the prison sentences of 19 people, including Resham Chaudhary, have been waived on the basis of the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.

The Constitution of Nepal, 2015, Article 276 grants the president power to pardon, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any court.