Cholendra Shumsher Rana detained by police amid security concerns

Former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana was taken into custody by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office at midnight on Saturday and released approximately 12 hours later. Police officials stated that Rana was brought to the office due to a perceived “security threat” discussed on Discord, though they noted that no formal arrest warrant was issued and the move was not technically an arrest.

The incident has sparked significant political backlash in Nepal. Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives criticized the government, describing the midnight detention as “state terror” and a violation of the rule of law. Lawmakers questioned the lack of evidence or formal charges, characterizing the event as a political stunt.

Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission and Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Ranju Darshana have raised concerns regarding the legality of the procedure. While police cited security concerns, critics have questioned why Rana was not provided additional protection at his residence instead of being detained at a crime investigation office.