- The Special Court ordered businesspersons Sulabh Agrawal and Deepak Bhatt into judicial custody at Dillibazar Prison on money laundering charges.
- A joint bench issued the order after determining the allegations were serious and involved complex financial transactions requiring further investigation.
- Authorities suspect the accused used banking channels and corporate investments to legitimize illicit proceeds and conceal true ownership of assets.
- Both individuals will remain in custody throughout the trial to prevent witness interference and tampering with evidence.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The Special Court has ordered businesspersons SulaBh Agrawal and Deepak Bhatt to be remanded in judicial custody on money laundering charges following the completion of a detention hearing.
A joint bench comprising Special Court Chairperson Justice Sudarshan Dev Bhatt and Justices Umesh Koirala and Vidur Koirala issued the order on Wednesday, directing that both accused be kept in Dillibazar Prison, Kathmandu, for trial proceedings.
The court’s decision came after reviewing initial submissions and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
Police arrested Bhatt on Chaitra 19 and Agrawal on Chaitra 22 in connection with allegations of laundering illicitly obtained funds through complex financial transactions. Authorities suspect that the accused may have attempted to legitimise illegal proceeds through banking channels, corporate investments, and the use of third-party names to conceal ownership.
During the detention hearing, government attorneys argued that releasing the accused could risk tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses, and obstructing ongoing investigations. Citing the seriousness and complexity of the case, the prosecution sought continued custody for further investigation.
Defence lawyers, however, argued that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient grounds for detention, claiming that the accused had permanent residences and were unlikely to abscond or interfere with the investigation. They requested release on bail or surety.
After hearing both sides, the bench concluded that the allegations were serious in nature and involved complex financial transactions requiring further investigation. The court therefore ordered that both accused be remanded in custody for trial.
Under Nepal’s prevailing anti–money laundering laws, individuals convicted of such offences are liable to imprisonment, fines, and confiscation of illegally acquired assets.
Authorities in recent years have intensified monitoring of suspected financial crimes, including misuse of the banking system, tax evasion, and concealment of assets through corporate structures.
The case will now proceed to the trial stage, where evidence will be examined, witnesses will be heard, and financial records will be analysed. Both accused will remain in custody until the final verdict is delivered.
