Kathmandu: Differing opinions emerged among judges in the case of former Minister Balkrishna Khand, who is facing charges in connection with the fake Bhutanese refugee scam. The High Court Patan's division bench, consisting of judges Prakash Kharel and Janak Pandey, expressed conflicting views on further decisions in the case.*

Judge Pandey suggested releasing Khand on bail of Rs three million, revoking the Kathmandu District Court's decision, while Judge Kharel opposed granting him bail. The bench proposed assigning the case to a third judge due to the lack of consensus.

Additionally, the bench upheld the Kathmandu District Court's verdict to remand nine individuals, including former Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, into custody for further investigation. The court ordered the release of Bhutanese refugee leader Teknath Rijal on bail of Rs 1.5 million and granted bail to other individuals involved in the case, including Sandip Rayamajhi, Haribhakta Maharjan, Sharan KC, Naresh KC, and Shamsher Miya.

The release on bail is subject to the payment of specified amounts. Tanka Kumar Gurung, Keshab Tuladhar, Ashish Budathoki, and Laxmi Maharjan are instructed to be released on a general date.