The transfer of VIP prisoners from Dillibazar Jail is on the rise due to challenges in monitoring political leaders, civil servants, and other influential inmates.
Businessman Deepak Bhatta was moved from Nakkhu Jail to Sindhupalchowk Jail on Saturday following a notice from the Department of Prison Management. He faces charges related to money laundering, insurance fraud, and violations of securities laws, and was initially placed in Dillibazar Jail for judicial custody in the money laundering case.
Dillibazar: A Preferred Jail for VIPs
Dillibazar Jail has long been a favored choice for VIP inmates. Its less crowded environment, spacious layout, and central location in Kathmandu make it convenient for family and friends to visit.
Bhatta and Sulav Agrawal from Shankar Group were both sent to Dillibazar Jail after a Special Court ordered their judicial custody. Bhatta is charged with money laundering involving Rs 26.63 billion, while Agrawal faces charges of Rs 25.59 billion. However, Bhatta was transferred back to Nakkhu Jail after just 15 days in Dillibazar.
Rise in Transfers of High-Profile Prisoners
The transfer of high-profile inmates has recently increased. Former Civil Aviation Authority Director General Pradeep Adhikari, for example, was moved to Sundhara’s Central Jail.
Authorities state that all jails offer similar essential facilities, making it unnecessary to keep prisoners in Dillibazar when they can be housed elsewhere. However, Dillibazar remains popular among influential figures for its spaciousness and central location.
The transfers of prominent prisoners come after allegations that they were holding meetings and attempting to exert control over the jail system from within.
Notable Political and Public Figures in Dillibazar Jail
Dillibazar Jail has been a long-standing choice for housing influential political and public figures. Notable inmates have included former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, former ministers Shyam Sundar Gupta and Khum Bahadur Khadka, former lawmaker Bal Krishna Dhungel, and former Inspector General of Police Om Bikram Rana.
Currently, several prominent political prisoners are in Dillibazar Jail, including former Madhesh Province Chief Rajesh Ahiraj, UML leader and former minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, former lawmaker Ichchha Raj Tamang, and former officials Sunil Paudel, Bikal Paudel, and Sanjib Gautam.
The recent shifts of these high-profile prisoners suggest that Dillibazar Jail may no longer be the top choice for VIP inmates as the jail administration works to limit their influence on the system.