In the elections for the federal parliament and provincial legislatures on Sunday, Nepal saw voter participation of almost 61 per cent. Intermittent violence and riots jeopardised&nbsp;the Nepalese elections. These incidents resulted in one death and other disruptions to the voting process.&nbsp;Over 22,000 polling places conducted&nbsp;voting, which opened at 7 am local time and ended at 5 pm. The voter turnout estimates are preliminary, and it is anticipated that the proportion will rise when data from around the nation is tallied.

Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya said, "The nationwide voter turnout has stood at around 61 per cent. This is likely to increase slightly as we continue receiving details from districts across the country. This is certainly less than what we had expected."

Compared to the last two elections, which were held in 2013, and 2017, where 78 percent of voters turned out, the voter turnout is much lower.

<h2>Quick facts</h2>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-elections-will-pm-deuba-sustain-the-tide-for-nepali-congress-535522">First-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system (</a>In this voting method, the candidate with the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner) will be used to fill 165 of the 275 seats in the federal parliament, while a proportional representation method will be used to fill the other 110 seats (PR).

There will be direct elections for 330 seats in total, with proportional representation used to fill the remaining 220 seats in the seven provincial legislatures.

A party must win at least one seat in the federal parliament under the FPTP system and at least 3 per cent&nbsp;of the vote share in order to be recognised as a national party and secure seats under PR. Despite worries about rioting, poor administration, and potential manipulation, the Election Commission chose to hold a single-day election as it considered it to be practical and cost-effective.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Nepal goes to polls amid political instability

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After the country's democratic transition in 1990, there have been 32 administrations in Nepal, and in the 14 years since the monarchy was overthrown in 2008, there have been 10 governments. At that time, the nation's leaders collectively pledged to create a "stable government, consolidate democracy, promote economic growth, and ensure governance free from corruption." Few people anticipate that Sunday's election will result in long-term political stability since they are completely discredited.

<h2>Current political situation</h2>

There is the ruling coalition headed by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's Nepali Congress (NC), which consists of Madhav Kumar Nepal's Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Socialist and Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda's Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-MC) (CPN-US).

The Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), led by former prime minister K P Sharma Oli, aspires to retake office following the election.

In a dozen seats, the UML has joined forces with the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). Under the FPTP system, more than 150 seats are up for election by the monarchist and Hindu nationalist RPP.

Smaller Terai parties have joined forces with the two big coalitions, more so in an effort to gain influence than to pursue the greater autonomy they had previously pushed for. Around 1,200 independents are running for the federal parliament as a show of discontent with the national parties, corruption, and lack of accountability.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-to-sell-five-chinese-airplanes-after-grounding-them-two-years-ago-535725">Nepal Airlines to sell five Chinese airplanes grounded for two years due to tech, mechanical faults</a>

After a string of defeats, divisions, and uprisings during Oli's administration—which was elected with a close to two-thirds majority in 2017—Deuba was appointed prime minister in July 2021. President Bidya Devi Bhandari supported Oli's attempt to hold onto power by dissolving the House twice, but the Supreme Court ruled that both dissolutions were illegal and ordered the President to swear in Deuba.

Oli has regularly criticised the court as political and stated that, if elected, he would use the Prime Minister's prerogative to re-apply for a mandate whenever he saw fit.

Although there does not appear to be any internal resistance to Oli's leadership, Deuba confronts a number of rivals inside the Nepali Congress, notably Gagan Thapa, the general secretary, who has put a claim to the role of prime minister in the event that the coalition wins back power.

Deuba (76) has served as prime minister five times; Oli and Prachanda have each done so once. Rifts within their parties or alliances always resulted in the end of their terms.

<h2>Violence during voting</h2>

The elections, according to the Chief Election Commissioner&nbsp;of Nepal, Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya, were mainly peaceful&nbsp;with only a few sporadic&nbsp;incidents.&nbsp;These incidences led to the postponement of voting at 15 polling places across four districts.

According to Thapaliya, the vote-counting process started in the Kathmandu Valley on Sunday night and will be finished in a week.

At Nateshwari Basic School of Tribeni Municipality in Bajura, there was one fatality from gunfire at a polling place. Following a fight between two groups, after the vote was completed, the 24-year-old male was fatally shot by police, according to authorities.

In Kailali district's Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City, a small explosion occurred close to a polling location for Sharda Secondary School. Officials said that no one was hurt and that the event only caused a short stoppage of 30 minutes in the voting process at the polling place.

In 11 locations in the Dhangadi, Gorkha, and Dolakha districts, there have been a few instances of festering disputes amongst party cadres. They claimed that it had no impact on the polling.

<h2>Core issues and road ahead</h2>

Political parties and their leaders are now more defamed than ever because to Nepal's instability, lack of government accountability, and extreme levels of corruption. Nepal's economic prospects have been harmed by the decline in governmental authority and growing mistrust of the judiciary - the Chief Justice is still suspended. Approximately 500,000 young people depart the nation each year to work as labourers in the Gulf, and more than a hundred of them pass away each month, according to government statistics. Young people have not been given much optimism by political promises to quadruple or double the GDP.

Parties have found it simple to lay the blame for Nepal's issues and instability on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peta-says-king-charles-iii-bans-foie-gras-at-all-royal-residences-535463">monarchy</a>. But once the monarchy was abolished, nothing changed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the elections for the federal parliament and provincial legislatures on Sunday, Nepal saw voter participation of almost 61 per cent. Intermittent violence and riots jeopardised the Nepalese elections.

In the elections for the federal parliament and provincial legislatures on Sunday, Nepal saw voter participation of almost 61 per cent. Intermittent violence and riots jeopardised the Nepalese elections. These incidents resulted in one death and other disruptions to the voting process. Over 22,000 polling places conducted voting, which opened at 7 am local time and ended at 5 pm. The voter turnout estimates are preliminary, and it is anticipated that the proportion will rise when data from around the nation is tallied. Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya said, "The nationwide voter turnout has stood at around 61 per cent. This is likely to increase slightly as we continue receiving details from districts across the country. This is certainly less than what we had expected." Compared to the last two elections, which were held in 2013, and 2017, where 78 percent of voters turned out, the voter turnout is much lower. Quick facts First-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system (In this voting method, the candidate with the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner) will be used to fill 165 of the 275 seats in the federal parliament, while a proportional representation method will be used to fill the other 110 seats (PR). There will be direct elections for 330 seats in total, with proportional representation used to fill the remaining 220 seats in the seven provincial legislatures. A party must win at least one seat in the federal parliament under the FPTP system and at least 3 per cent of the vote share in order to be recognised as a national party and secure seats under PR. Despite worries about rioting, poor administration, and potential manipulation, the Election Commission chose to hold a single-day election as it considered it to be practical and cost-effective. WATCH | Nepal goes to polls amid political instability After the country's democratic transition in 1990, there have been 32 administrations in Nepal, and in the 14 years since the monarchy was overthrown in 2008, there have been 10 governments. At that time, the nation's leaders collectively pledged to create a "stable government, consolidate democracy, promote economic growth, and ensure governance free from corruption." Few people anticipate that Sunday's election will result in long-term political stability since they are completely discredited. Current political situation There is the ruling coalition headed by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's Nepali Congress (NC), which consists of Madhav Kumar Nepal's Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Socialist and Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda's Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-MC) (CPN-US). The Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), led by former prime minister K P Sharma Oli, aspires to retake office following the election. In a dozen seats, the UML has joined forces with the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). Under the FPTP system, more than 150 seats are up for election by the monarchist and Hindu nationalist RPP. Smaller Terai parties have joined forces with the two big coalitions, more so in an effort to gain influence than to pursue the greater autonomy they had previously pushed for. Around 1,200 independents are running for the federal parliament as a show of discontent with the national parties, corruption, and lack of accountability. Also read | Nepal Airlines to sell five Chinese airplanes grounded for two years due to tech, mechanical faults After a string of defeats, divisions, and uprisings during Oli's administration—which was elected with a close to two-thirds majority in 2017—Deuba was appointed prime minister in July 2021. President Bidya Devi Bhandari supported Oli's attempt to hold onto power by dissolving the House twice, but the Supreme Court ruled that both dissolutions were illegal and ordered the President to swear in Deuba. Oli has regularly criticised the court as political and stated that, if elected, he would use the Prime Minister's prerogative to re-apply for a mandate whenever he saw fit. Although there does not appear to be any internal resistance to Oli's leadership, Deuba confronts a number of rivals inside the Nepali Congress, notably Gagan Thapa, the general secretary, who has put a claim to the role of prime minister in the event that the coalition wins back power. Deuba (76) has served as prime minister five times; Oli and Prachanda have each done so once. Rifts within their parties or alliances always resulted in the end of their terms. Violence during voting The elections, according to the Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal, Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya, were mainly peaceful with only a few sporadic incidents. These incidences led to the postponement of voting at 15 polling places across four districts. According to Thapaliya, the vote-counting process started in the Kathmandu Valley on Sunday night and will be finished in a week. At Nateshwari Basic School of Tribeni Municipality in Bajura, there was one fatality from gunfire at a polling place. Following a fight between two groups, after the vote was completed, the 24-year-old male was fatally shot by police, according to authorities. In Kailali district's Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City, a small explosion occurred close to a polling location for Sharda Secondary School. Officials said that no one was hurt and that the event only caused a short stoppage of 30 minutes in the voting process at the polling place. In 11 locations in the Dhangadi, Gorkha, and Dolakha districts, there have been a few instances of festering disputes amongst party cadres. They claimed that it had no impact on the polling. Core issues and road ahead Political parties and their leaders are now more defamed than ever because to Nepal's instability, lack of government accountability, and extreme levels of corruption. Nepal's economic prospects have been harmed by the decline in governmental authority and growing mistrust of the judiciary - the Chief Justice is still suspended. Approximately 500,000 young people depart the nation each year to work as labourers in the Gulf, and more than a hundred of them pass away each month, according to government statistics. Young people have not been given much optimism by political promises to quadruple or double the GDP. Parties have found it simple to lay the blame for Nepal's issues and instability on the monarchy. But once the monarchy was abolished, nothing changed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nepal elections 2022: Current political scenario, electoral violence and road ahead

Polls are underway in Nepal close to 18 million people are eligible to vote in 7 provinces across the Himalayan region. Watch full video to know more

Nepal goes to polls amid political instability

Ahead of Nepal’s parliamentary assembly elections, political analysts here are predicting a hung parliament and a government that is unlikely to provide much-needed political stability.

Nepal Parliamentary Polls: Analyst predict a hung Parliament

On Sunday, Nepali citizens went to the polls to elect a new parliament, with the election being heavily influenced by popular discontent with the country's ageing political class and concern about its fragile economy. There is a sense that the government is out of touch with Nepal's urgent concerns because of the prime ministers' frequent changes, the majority of whom have been in office for less than a year. With established parties whose leaders have walked the halls of power for decades, some younger candidates are making their maiden appearances in this year's race.

However, many voters have lost trust in the existing quo, and a thirst for change is palpable.&nbsp;Analysts predict that Nepal's firmly established political veterans will once again control the next parliament.

The second round of elections since the terrible Maoist insurgency in Nepal came to an end in 2015, when a new constitution was adopted, will take place on Sunday.

The country's monarchy was abolished in 2006 after the civil war, which had cost more than 17,000 lives and brought the erstwhile rebels into the government, came to an end.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-to-sell-five-chinese-airplanes-after-grounding-them-two-years-ago-535725">Nepal Airlines to sell five Chinese airplanes grounded for two years due to tech, mechanical faults</a>

Since that time, different alliances between the former guerrillas and the established Congress and another communist party have seen them take turns ruling.

However, Nepal's parliament has frequently been marked by political unrest, and no prime minister has ever held office for the whole duration of a war.

Also WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Nepal: Voters express displeasure over leaders, voting system

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The longstanding rivalry between Nepal's two neighbours, China and India, has been difficult for administrations of all sorts to manage at a time when Western anxiety over Chinese-funded mega-projects in the nation is growing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Sunday, Nepali citizens went to the polls to elect a new parliament, with the election being heavily influenced by popular discontent with the country's ageing political class and concern about its fragile economy.

On Sunday, Nepali citizens went to the polls to elect a new parliament, with the election being heavily influenced by popular discontent with the country's ageing political class and concern about its fragile economy. There is a sense that the government is out of touch with Nepal's urgent concerns because of the prime ministers' frequent changes, the majority of whom have been in office for less than a year. With established parties whose leaders have walked the halls of power for decades, some younger candidates are making their maiden appearances in this year's race. However, many voters have lost trust in the existing quo, and a thirst for change is palpable. Analysts predict that Nepal's firmly established political veterans will once again control the next parliament. The second round of elections since the terrible Maoist insurgency in Nepal came to an end in 2015, when a new constitution was adopted, will take place on Sunday. The country's monarchy was abolished in 2006 after the civil war, which had cost more than 17,000 lives and brought the erstwhile rebels into the government, came to an end. Also read | Nepal Airlines to sell five Chinese airplanes grounded for two years due to tech, mechanical faults Since that time, different alliances between the former guerrillas and the established Congress and another communist party have seen them take turns ruling. However, Nepal's parliament has frequently been marked by political unrest, and no prime minister has ever held office for the whole duration of a war. Also WATCH | WION Fineprint: Nepal: Voters express displeasure over leaders, voting system The longstanding rivalry between Nepal's two neighbours, China and India, has been difficult for administrations of all sorts to manage at a time when Western anxiety over Chinese-funded mega-projects in the nation is growing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nepal votes in twin elections amid economic and political instability; counting to start tonight

Troubled by the quality and efficiency of China-made airplanes, Nepal Airlines has decided to sell five of its Chinese planes, grounded for more than two years. The final decision was taken by the loss-making national carrier after no one came forward to lease the planes.

Troubled by the quality and efficiency of China-made airplanes, Nepal Airlines has decided to sell five of its Chinese planes, grounded for more than two years. The final decision was taken by the loss-making national carrier after no one came forward to lease the planes. “We didn’t get a single bid during the extended time either. Now, the management has decided to sell them off," said a spokesperson of Nepal Airlines. “It may take two to three weeks to appoint the assessor. Based on the assessor’s report, we will float a global tender to sell the planes." Three 17-seater Y12e and two 56-seater MA60 aircraft were acquired by Nepal Airlines, eight years ago amid much fanfare. The main goal was to fly the planes on underserved mountain routes. However, soon, mechanical and technical troubles started to creep up rather routinely in the airplanes. According to the airline company, such was the situation that the aircraft spent more time on the ground than in the air, causing heavy losses. Consequently, for the last two years, the five planes have been sitting and gathering dust in the remote parking bay on the eastern side of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. WATCH | Six-point pact inked between Nepal and China under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative × Earlier this year, a source had told WION that the Chinese airplanes required pilots with specific skills that the airline did not have at its disposal. “We have been facing technical problems in functioning of these aircrafts. The spare parts are not easily available and repairing aircrafts is expensive and time taking. To fly these planes, pilots with specific skills are required which we are short of. There are pilots in China but due to language barrier training pilots in Nepal is not possible,” said the source. Additionally, China had refused to help the Nepalese side on the matter. “We did approach China for help but nothing has been initiated from their side yet. The board of directors of Nepal Airlines hold meeting on a daily basis to discuss on training Nepalese pilots but we are yet to take a decision on that." Read more: Nepal grounds six Made-in-China planes, calls them liability Nepal Airlines wanted to get rid of the defunct Chinese airplanes much earlier but the bureaucratic hassle meant they had to hold onto them. Experts believe that even after putting the airplanes up for sale, the airline may not get a lot of takers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nepal Airlines to sell five Chinese airplanes grounded for two years due to tech, mechanical faults

Polls are underway in Nepal, close to 18 million people are eligible to vote. Political analysts are predicting a hung parliament and a government that is unlikely to provide much-needed political stability.

All you need to know about the Nepal national elections

Nepal is set to go to polls on the 20th of November. Almost 18 million people are eligible to cast their votes in both the federal parliament and the provincial assembly.

WION Fineprint: Nepal: Voters express displeasure over leaders, voting system

Nepal is on the verge of another political crisis. The President is refusing to ratify a citizenship bill. The govt has accused her of violating the constitution. With 2 months left for polls, where are things heading? Priyanka Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Nepal's President is at 'war' with the govt

Nepal is ready to hold crucial elections for the House of Representatives on November 20. More than 17.9 million people are eligible to vote in seven provinces across the country.

WION Dispatch: Nepal all set to conduct general elections on November 20

Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook is gearing up to fire employees, according to a Wall Street Journal report. After Twitter, Meta becomes another big tech company to slash the workforce in recent weeks. In other news,&nbsp;strong tremors shook New Delhi&nbsp;and adjoining areas early Wednesday morning after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-boss-mark-zuckerberg-says-mass-lay-offs-to-begin-from-wednesday-morning-532418">Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg says mass layoffs to begin from Wednesday morning</a>

Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta will be laying off employees on Wednesday morning, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported. The announcement was made by the CEO on Tuesday morning while addressing hundreds of executives at the company headquarters, foreshadowing large cuts.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/11/09/309459-meta.jpeg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-users-may-soon-have-to-pay-more-than-just-8-as-musk-deliberates-putting-platform-behind-paywall-532351">Twitter users may soon have to pay more than just $8 as Musk deliberates putting platform behind paywall</a>

Just days after taking over Twitter as the "Chief Twit" Elon Musk has been openly pondering on how to bring in money. The company has already made certain moves, like laying off half of its global workforce and starting to charge $8 per month for the once-free blue tick verification.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/11/09/309418-new-wion-34.png" />

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Strong tremors shook New Delhi and adjoining areas early Wednesday morning after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal. At around 2 am, people were forced to wake up from their sleep and rushed outside as the intensity of the tremors was extremely strong.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-record-204bn-powerball-jackpot-has-been-won-by-someone-in-south-california-532422">A record $2.04bn Powerball jackpot has been won by someone in South California</a>

An unknown person in Southern California has won a record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot. No one had hit the top prize for over three months which kept increasing its value. After an overnight delay in the drawing, the winning numbers were finally selected Tuesday morning.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jaishankar-sets-the-record-straight-in-moscow-532372">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Jaishankar sets the record straight in Moscow</a>

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Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook is gearing up to fire employees, according to a Wall Street Journal report. After Twitter, Meta becomes another big tech company to slash the workforce in recent weeks.

Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook is gearing up to fire employees, according to a Wall Street Journal report. After Twitter, Meta becomes another big tech company to slash the workforce in recent weeks. In other news, strong tremors shook New Delhi and adjoining areas early Wednesday morning after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal. Click on headlines to read more: Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg says mass layoffs to begin from Wednesday morning Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta will be laying off employees on Wednesday morning, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported. The announcement was made by the CEO on Tuesday morning while addressing hundreds of executives at the company headquarters, foreshadowing large cuts. Twitter users may soon have to pay more than just $8 as Musk deliberates putting platform behind paywall Just days after taking over Twitter as the "Chief Twit" Elon Musk has been openly pondering on how to bring in money. The company has already made certain moves, like laying off half of its global workforce and starting to charge $8 per month for the once-free blue tick verification. 6.3 magnitude quake hits Nepal in wee hours of Wednesday, 6 reported dead, strong tremors felt in India Strong tremors shook New Delhi and adjoining areas early Wednesday morning after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal. At around 2 am, people were forced to wake up from their sleep and rushed outside as the intensity of the tremors was extremely strong. A record $2.04bn Powerball jackpot has been won by someone in South California An unknown person in Southern California has won a record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot. No one had hit the top prize for over three months which kept increasing its value. After an overnight delay in the drawing, the winning numbers were finally selected Tuesday morning. WATCH | Gravitas: Jaishankar sets the record straight in Moscow ×

Morning news brief: Meta to lay off employees, earthquake rocks Nepal, parts of India and more

Nepal will hold national and provincial elections on 20 November. About 18 million people are eligible to vote for the 275 Members of Parliament as well as the 330 members of seven provincial assemblies.

South Asia Diary: Nepal gears up for crucial elections

A powerful earthquake of 6.6 magnitude has hit Nepal. According to reports about six people were killed and five others wee seriously injured. The National Seismological Centre has said that the earthquake happened roughly at about 2:12 AM with an epicenter in a place called Khaptad National Park in the Doti disctrict.

Earthquake rattles Nepal: Strong tremors felt in New Delhi, surrounding areas

Nepal: A powerful earthquake of 6.6 magnitude has hit Nepal. According to reports about six people were killed and five others wee seriously injured. The National Seismological Centre has said that the earthquake happened roughly at about 2:12 AM with an epicenter in a place called Khaptad National Park in the Doti disctrict.

At least 6 killed, 5 injured after 6.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Nepal

16 years on, Nepal's rape victims have reignited their call for justice. The country's Maoist insurgency ended in 2016 bringing to a halt, years of ugly conflict where many women were sexually exploited, killed and even kidnapped.

Nepal: War time assault survivors demand recognition, only two people have been convicted

In pics | Dogs celebrated and cherished in Nepal during this special festival

Beaten and raped by police officers as a child, Mira was among the many victims of sexual violence during Nepal’s civil war and is now one of the few to recount her ordeal.

Beaten and raped by police officers as a child, Mira was among the many victims of sexual violence during Nepal’s civil war and is now one of the few to recount her ordeal. Guerrilla attacks and forced disappearances were daily facts of life on both sides of the Himalayan republic’s decade-long Maoist insurgency. The conflict ended in 2006 with a peace deal that brought the rebels into government and promised justice for those who had suffered in the fighting. But 16 years after the war ended, civilian courts have handed down just two convictions for civil war-era crimes, while rape survivors are frustrated that their traumas have been met with official indifference. After years of waiting for redress, they are now sharing their experiences in a demand for recognition. “They have failed to even mention our cases,” Mira, who asked to use a pseudonym, told AFP. “The least they could do is recognise that these incidents happened.” Mira was just 12 years old in 1999 when she was arrested for participating in a cultural outreach programme run by the Maoist rebels. She spent months in custody, during which she said she suffered repeated rapes at the hands of officers who also beat her mercilessly. “I was beyond recognition. My face was swollen, my body was swollen,” she said. “My womb keeps hurting, my body keeps hurting, I still have to take medicines.” More than 17,000 people were killed and many thousands more were forced to flee their homes before the 2006 peace deal. The settlement included the promise of impartial investigations of wartime atrocities. But it did not include provisions for survivors of sexual violence, who were less willing to report their experiences, and who were also left out of an interim compensation scheme for conflict victims. “Incidents of rape had taken place during the 10-year war. The government must admit this, and address this,” Devi Khadka, coordinator of the National Organisation of Conflict Rape Victims, told AFP. The civil war had just begun in 1997 when Khadka, then a teenager, was herself raped by security forces in custody, she said. She joined the Maoist insurgency, rising steadily through the ranks, and has served in parliament, but battled depression for years. “I stayed silent for a long time, for many reasons. But no one else spoke up. I felt I had to raise my voice for all of us,” she said. 'How will we punish them?' Nepali society traditionally ties chastity to the honour of women and their households, and the stigma of rape often compels victims to keep silent. Already suffering from physical and mental trauma, those that do come forward are often ostracised by their families and struggle to support themselves. “What we need is support for our livelihood, for our health and for our children’s future,” said Reenu, who was raped by Maoist soldiers during the conflict. She added that the immediate needs of victims were a bigger priority than bringing perpetrators to justice. “Many women don’t even know who wronged them, so how will we punish them?” she asked. Nepal’s two transitional justice commissions began operations in 2015 but have failed to resolve a single case, despite receiving over 60,000 complaints of murders, torture and unexplained disappearances. More than 300 cases of rape and sexual violence have been registered by the commission, but activists say the formal reports are a small fraction of the true total. Survivors are reluctant to come forward because the government has failed to “create a secure environment” for them to do so, said Mandira Sharma, a senior legal adviser for the International Commission of Jurists. “But these are serious crimes,” she told AFP. “The state is obligated to take action against the perpetrator.” 'Scared to give us justice' Critics say Nepal’s truth and reconciliation process has been poorly designed from the outset and plagued by chronic funding shortfalls. It also lacks political support to proceed, with former Maoist rebels and political leaders among those blamed for presiding over wartime atrocities now in government ranks. The finance minister in June announced a financial support programme for wartime survivors of sexual violence, the first compensation of its kind. But months after the announcement, not a single victim has received any money. “The older this conflict gets, the more problems for women like me,” a 33-year-old woman who said she was raped by security forces as a teenager told AFP. “The government is aware that women and children suffered sexual violence in the war,” she said. “But it is scared to give us justice. What if their own people need to be punished?” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Raped during Nepal civil war, survivors demand justice and recognition

Monsoon-triggered flash floods and landslides have wreaked havoc in Nepal and claimed more than 35&nbsp;lives and displaced thousands in the past week.

In the worst-hit northwest Karnali province, thousands of residents were evacuated after their houses destroyed.

Officials are still searching for 22 people missing across the province, even though they have been facing difficulty in carrying out rescue operations in the mountainous region amid the inclement weather.

'We have mobilised police officers on the ground. We have arranged a helicopter for air rescue from Surkhet," said one police spokesman, quoted by the Annapurna Post.

"However, unfortunately, due to the weather not improving, progress is not being made as expected."

Most cases of missing people have been reported from the low-lying Kalikot district.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s emergency authorities have sounded alarm in some areas of the province which lie near the Karnali river, whose water level has touched the dangerous 12m (39ft) level.

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In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Banke?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Banke</a>, Western <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a>, humanitarian partners are on the ground, supporting families affected by floods. 
 
Under the anticipatory action programme, <a href="https://twitter.com/WFP_Nepal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WFP_Nepal</a> will distribute cash assistance to help vulnerable families buy essentials &amp; protect their assets before floods hit. <a href="https://t.co/3U6uGtWzWY">pic.twitter.com/3U6uGtWzWY</a>
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According to local media, several suspension bridges over the river have been washed away, and highways and district roads in Karnali Province have been blocked.

Meanwhile, the UN's humanitarian agencies said food and medicines are being distributed to the worst affected communities in western Nepal.

Monsoon usually begins in June and ends in October, but this kind of intensity has caught Nepal off guard.

According to the National Emergency Operation Centre, at least 110 people have died this year in rain-related disasters.

Nepal is not the only Asian country that has been facing an unusually intense spell of monsoon rains.

In Pakistan, more than 1,700 people have been killed and 33 million are displaced as a third of the country was submerged under water in the worst floods to hit Pakistan, brought about by unprecedented monsoon rains since mid-June.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

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Monsoon-triggered flash floods and landslides have wreaked havoc in Nepal and claimed more than 35 lives and displaced thousands in the past week. In the worst-hit northwest Karnali province, thousands of residents were evacuated after their houses destroyed.

Monsoon-triggered flash floods and landslides have wreaked havoc in Nepal and claimed more than 35 lives and displaced thousands in the past week. In the worst-hit northwest Karnali province, thousands of residents were evacuated after their houses destroyed. Officials are still searching for 22 people missing across the province, even though they have been facing difficulty in carrying out rescue operations in the mountainous region amid the inclement weather. 'We have mobilised police officers on the ground. We have arranged a helicopter for air rescue from Surkhet," said one police spokesman, quoted by the Annapurna Post. "However, unfortunately, due to the weather not improving, progress is not being made as expected." Most cases of missing people have been reported from the low-lying Kalikot district. Meanwhile, Nepal’s emergency authorities have sounded alarm in some areas of the province which lie near the Karnali river, whose water level has touched the dangerous 12m (39ft) level. In #Banke, Western #Nepal, humanitarian partners are on the ground, supporting families affected by floods. Under the anticipatory action programme, @WFP_Nepal will distribute cash assistance to help vulnerable families buy essentials & protect their assets before floods hit. pic.twitter.com/3U6uGtWzWY — WFP Asia Pacific (@WFPAsiaPacific) October 10, 2022 × According to local media, several suspension bridges over the river have been washed away, and highways and district roads in Karnali Province have been blocked. Meanwhile, the UN's humanitarian agencies said food and medicines are being distributed to the worst affected communities in western Nepal. Monsoon usually begins in June and ends in October, but this kind of intensity has caught Nepal off guard. According to the National Emergency Operation Centre, at least 110 people have died this year in rain-related disasters. Nepal is not the only Asian country that has been facing an unusually intense spell of monsoon rains. In Pakistan, more than 1,700 people have been killed and 33 million are displaced as a third of the country was submerged under water in the worst floods to hit Pakistan, brought about by unprecedented monsoon rains since mid-June. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

35 killed, thousands displaced as flash floods, landslides wreak havoc in Nepal

Former Nepal captain Sandeep&nbsp;Lamichhane returned to his country, on Thursday (October 06), in order to fight the rape charges levied upon him nearly a month ago. Lamichhane, who has denied all the charges, was immediately taken into custody, as per Dinesh Raj Mainali -- a spokesman for Kathmandu district police&nbsp;informed news agency AFP.

Earlier, the wily spinner Lamichhane had informed about his return to his country via a post on his Facebook page and stated that he was ready to fight all charges."I will fully cooperate in all stages of the investigation and will fight legal battle to prove my innocence. Let the justice prevail," Lamichhane had posted.

The serious charges levied upon Lamichhane led to his suspension&nbsp;as Nepal's captain after a country's court&nbsp;issued an arrest warrant on September 8. It followed an accusation from a teenager that the 22-year-old spinner had raped her in a Kathmandu hotel room two months back.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nepal-cricketer-sandeep-lamicchane-to-surrender-to-authorities-and-fight-against-rape-allegations-521480">Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane to surrender to authorities and fight against rape allegations</a>

Before his arrival in Nepal, Lamicchane finally broke his silence on the rape charges and wrote on Facebook, "With great hope and strength, I hereby confirm that I am reaching to my home country, Nepal on this 6th October 2022 and will submit myself to the authority of Nepal to fight a legal battle against false allegation."

"I hereby reiterate that I am INNOCENT and I have complete non-shaken faith in justice system. I firmly believe over all the law enforcement authorities and honorable courts on their fair trial and adjudication and I am just hopeful to get justice at the earliest. My dear well-wishers I assure you all that I am innocent and I have not wronged you. I have recovered from unpleasant situation I went through and I have prepared myself to go through this ordeal to prove myself innocent and victim of conspiracy. I am sure all wrongful allegation charged against me will be unfolded by the span of time," he added.

It is to be noted that Lamichhane is an integral member of the Nepal cricket team, having also captained the side before the serious charges&nbsp;led to his suspension from the post. His breakthrough moment came when he became the first-ever cricketer from Nepal to feature in the IPL (for the Delhi Capitals). He, however, has not been able to be a regular in the cash-rich league. Nonetheless, his entry into the IPL led to him becoming a prominent face in T20 leagues across the globe.

For Nepal, the 22-year-old has accounted for 69 and 85 wickets, in ODIs and T20Is respectively.

Former Nepal captain Sandeep Lamichhane returned to his country, on Thursday (October 06), in order to fight the rape charges levied upon him nearly a month ago.

Former Nepal captain Sandeep Lamichhane returned to his country, on Thursday (October 06), in order to fight the rape charges levied upon him nearly a month ago. Lamichhane, who has denied all the charges, was immediately taken into custody, as per Dinesh Raj Mainali -- a spokesman for Kathmandu district police informed news agency AFP. Earlier, the wily spinner Lamichhane had informed about his return to his country via a post on his Facebook page and stated that he was ready to fight all charges."I will fully cooperate in all stages of the investigation and will fight legal battle to prove my innocence. Let the justice prevail," Lamichhane had posted. The serious charges levied upon Lamichhane led to his suspension as Nepal's captain after a country's court issued an arrest warrant on September 8. It followed an accusation from a teenager that the 22-year-old spinner had raped her in a Kathmandu hotel room two months back. ALSO READ | Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane to surrender to authorities and fight against rape allegations Before his arrival in Nepal, Lamicchane finally broke his silence on the rape charges and wrote on Facebook, "With great hope and strength, I hereby confirm that I am reaching to my home country, Nepal on this 6th October 2022 and will submit myself to the authority of Nepal to fight a legal battle against false allegation." "I hereby reiterate that I am INNOCENT and I have complete non-shaken faith in justice system. I firmly believe over all the law enforcement authorities and honorable courts on their fair trial and adjudication and I am just hopeful to get justice at the earliest. My dear well-wishers I assure you all that I am innocent and I have not wronged you. I have recovered from unpleasant situation I went through and I have prepared myself to go through this ordeal to prove myself innocent and victim of conspiracy. I am sure all wrongful allegation charged against me will be unfolded by the span of time," he added. It is to be noted that Lamichhane is an integral member of the Nepal cricket team, having also captained the side before the serious charges led to his suspension from the post. His breakthrough moment came when he became the first-ever cricketer from Nepal to feature in the IPL (for the Delhi Capitals). He, however, has not been able to be a regular in the cash-rich league. Nonetheless, his entry into the IPL led to him becoming a prominent face in T20 leagues across the globe. For Nepal, the 22-year-old has accounted for 69 and 85 wickets, in ODIs and T20Is respectively.

Former Nepal captain Sandeep Lamichhane in custody on account of rape charges

Nepal's cricket captain Sandeep Lamichhane has been charged with raping a minor. Officials in Kathmandu are seeking Interpol's help to arrest the cricketer who is currently in the Caribbean.

South Asia Diary | Nepal's cricket captain charged with rape

The body of renowned US&nbsp;ski&nbsp;mountaineer&nbsp;Hilaree Nelson, who died on&nbsp;Nepal's Manaslu peak, was cremated close to a Buddhist stupa in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Nelson's body was found on the slopes of the world's eighth highest mountain on Wednesday, two days after she disappeared as she was&nbsp;skiing&nbsp;down from its summit.

Monks chanted prayers and played traditional drums as her family and fellow climbers offered flowers and traditional Buddhist scarves on her body.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/renowned-ski-mountaineer-goes-missing-on-nepals-manaslu-mountain-520084">Also read |&nbsp;Renowned ski mountaineer goes missing on Nepal's Manaslu mountain</a>

"The&nbsp;cremation&nbsp;was done today, attended by her brother, other climbers and officials," Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;Trek, which organised the expedition, told AFP.

Orange marigolds decorated the&nbsp;cremation&nbsp;area at the foothills of Swayambhu Nath stupa, one of the holiest&nbsp;Buddhist&nbsp;sites in&nbsp;Nepal.&nbsp;

Nelson, 49, was regarded as one of the world's most talented&nbsp;ski&nbsp;mountaineers and had been involved in dozens of expeditions around the world.

A decade ago, she became the first woman to summit both the highest mountain in the world, Everest, and the adjacent Lhotse peak within the span of 24 hours.

Then in 2018, she returned to Lhotse and made the first&nbsp;ski&nbsp;descent of the mountain, and her accomplishments earned her the prestigious National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award that year.&nbsp;

Jim Morrison, who had accompanied Nelson and was able to&nbsp;ski&nbsp;down safely, led the search operations that located her body after bad weather hampered earlier rescue efforts.

Morrison said after the ceremony he would take the ashes home to the United States where Nelson's two children live.

"It should be a beautiful tribute which Hilaree's family and I feel this is how she would want things performed," he said. "Her radiance will continue to affect us all."&nbsp;

Tributes have been pouring from&nbsp;top&nbsp;climbers around the world, thanking her and calling her a pioneering and inspiring adventurer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/body-of-famous-us-climber-hilaree-nelson-found-on-mt-manaslu-in-nepal-520513">Also read |&nbsp;Body of famous US ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson found on Mt Manaslu in Nepal</a>

On the day of Nelson's accident, an avalanche hit between Camps 3 and 4 on the 8,163-metre (26,781-foot) mountain, killing Nepali climber Anup Rai and injuring a dozen others who were later rescued.

The deaths of Nelson and Rai are the first confirmed casualties of the autumn climbing season in&nbsp;Nepal.

Constant rain and snow have been a challenge for the 404 paying climbers attempting to reach the summit of Manaslu this year.

Several tents were damaged when another avalanche came hurling down to the Manaslu basecamp on Sunday morning, according to the tourism department, but no deaths have been reported.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The body of renowned US ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson, who died on Nepal's Manaslu peak, was cremated close to a Buddhist stupa in Kathmandu on Sunday. Nelson's body was found on the slopes of the world's eighth highest mountain on Wednesday, two days after she disappeared as she was skiing down from its summit.

The body of renowned US ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson, who died on Nepal's Manaslu peak, was cremated close to a Buddhist stupa in Kathmandu on Sunday. Nelson's body was found on the slopes of the world's eighth highest mountain on Wednesday, two days after she disappeared as she was skiing down from its summit. Monks chanted prayers and played traditional drums as her family and fellow climbers offered flowers and traditional Buddhist scarves on her body. Also read | Renowned ski mountaineer goes missing on Nepal's Manaslu mountain "The cremation was done today, attended by her brother, other climbers and officials," Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek, which organised the expedition, told AFP. Orange marigolds decorated the cremation area at the foothills of Swayambhu Nath stupa, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Nelson, 49, was regarded as one of the world's most talented ski mountaineers and had been involved in dozens of expeditions around the world. A decade ago, she became the first woman to summit both the highest mountain in the world, Everest, and the adjacent Lhotse peak within the span of 24 hours. Then in 2018, she returned to Lhotse and made the first ski descent of the mountain, and her accomplishments earned her the prestigious National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award that year. Jim Morrison, who had accompanied Nelson and was able to ski down safely, led the search operations that located her body after bad weather hampered earlier rescue efforts. Morrison said after the ceremony he would take the ashes home to the United States where Nelson's two children live. "It should be a beautiful tribute which Hilaree's family and I feel this is how she would want things performed," he said. "Her radiance will continue to affect us all." Tributes have been pouring from top climbers around the world, thanking her and calling her a pioneering and inspiring adventurer. Also read | Body of famous US ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson found on Mt Manaslu in Nepal On the day of Nelson's accident, an avalanche hit between Camps 3 and 4 on the 8,163-metre (26,781-foot) mountain, killing Nepali climber Anup Rai and injuring a dozen others who were later rescued. The deaths of Nelson and Rai are the first confirmed casualties of the autumn climbing season in Nepal. Constant rain and snow have been a challenge for the 404 paying climbers attempting to reach the summit of Manaslu this year. Several tents were damaged when another avalanche came hurling down to the Manaslu basecamp on Sunday morning, according to the tourism department, but no deaths have been reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Top US ski mountaineer gets Buddhist cremation in Nepal

Nepal cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane has confirmed he will be returning to his country next week to fight the rape allegations levelled against him. Lamichhane has been accused of raping a minor in a hotel room in Kathmandu. The victim had launched a complaint against him last month following which a Nepal court issued a warrant against&nbsp;Lamichhane.

Nepal Cricket removed the star leg-spinner as the captain of the national team after the allegations surfaced and he was also suspended with immediate effect.&nbsp;Lamichhane was playing in the Caribbean Premier League at the time a complaint was filed against him and had vowed to return home after pulling out of the tournament.

However, the leg-spinner later claimed he had to delay his return to the country as he was not in the right mental and physical space after the allegations levelled against him. Nepal police, meanwhile, sought the help of Interpol to trace the star cricketer amid his failure to report back to the country after the arrest warrant against him.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-not-ruled-out-of-t20-world-cup-2022-yet-says-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-521439">Jasprit Bumrah not ruled out of T20 World Cup 2022 yet, says BCCI president Sourav Ganguly</a>

However, Lamichhane has now said he will be arriving in Nepal on Thursday (October 06) and will surrender to the authorities. The Nepal cricket team star reiterated he is innocent and vowed to fight a legal battle against the allegations.

"With great hope and strength, I hereby confirm that I am reaching to my home country, Nepal on this 6th October 2022 and will submit myself to the authority of Nepal to fight a legal battle against false allegation," Lamicchane said in a Facebook post.

"I hereby reiterate that I am INNOCENT and I have complete non-shaken faith in justice system. I firmly believe over all the law enforcement authorities and honorable courts on their fair trial and adjudication and I am just hopeful to get justice at the earliest.

My dear well wishers I assure you all that I am innocent and I have not wronged you. I have recovered from unpleasant situation I went through and I have prepared myself to go through this ordeal to prove myself innocent and victim of conspiracy. I am sure all wrongful allegation charged against me will be unfolded by the span of time," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-tries-his-hand-at-golf-along-with-kapil-dev-video-goes-viral-watch-521282">MS Dhoni tries his hand at golf along with Kapil Dev, video goes viral - Watch</a>

Lamichhane is one of the most sought-after cricketers in Nepal having tasted decent success in T20 leagues around the world. He was the first Nepalese player to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after he was picked up by Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction in 2018.

However, he didn't get many chances with the team and was released by the Capitals after playing nine matches across two seasons, picking up 13 wickets. The 22-year-old has played 30 ODIs and 44 T20Is in his international career so far.

Nepal cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane has confirmed he will be returning to his country next week to fight the rape allegations levelled against him. Lamichhane has been accused of raping a minor in a hotel room in Kathmandu.

Nepal cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane has confirmed he will be returning to his country next week to fight the rape allegations levelled against him. Lamichhane has been accused of raping a minor in a hotel room in Kathmandu. The victim had launched a complaint against him last month following which a Nepal court issued a warrant against Lamichhane. Nepal Cricket removed the star leg-spinner as the captain of the national team after the allegations surfaced and he was also suspended with immediate effect. Lamichhane was playing in the Caribbean Premier League at the time a complaint was filed against him and had vowed to return home after pulling out of the tournament. However, the leg-spinner later claimed he had to delay his return to the country as he was not in the right mental and physical space after the allegations levelled against him. Nepal police, meanwhile, sought the help of Interpol to trace the star cricketer amid his failure to report back to the country after the arrest warrant against him. Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah not ruled out of T20 World Cup 2022 yet, says BCCI president Sourav Ganguly However, Lamichhane has now said he will be arriving in Nepal on Thursday (October 06) and will surrender to the authorities. The Nepal cricket team star reiterated he is innocent and vowed to fight a legal battle against the allegations. "With great hope and strength, I hereby confirm that I am reaching to my home country, Nepal on this 6th October 2022 and will submit myself to the authority of Nepal to fight a legal battle against false allegation," Lamicchane said in a Facebook post. "I hereby reiterate that I am INNOCENT and I have complete non-shaken faith in justice system. I firmly believe over all the law enforcement authorities and honorable courts on their fair trial and adjudication and I am just hopeful to get justice at the earliest. My dear well wishers I assure you all that I am innocent and I have not wronged you. I have recovered from unpleasant situation I went through and I have prepared myself to go through this ordeal to prove myself innocent and victim of conspiracy. I am sure all wrongful allegation charged against me will be unfolded by the span of time," he added. Also Read: MS Dhoni tries his hand at golf along with Kapil Dev, video goes viral - Watch Lamichhane is one of the most sought-after cricketers in Nepal having tasted decent success in T20 leagues around the world. He was the first Nepalese player to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after he was picked up by Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction in 2018. However, he didn't get many chances with the team and was released by the Capitals after playing nine matches across two seasons, picking up 13 wickets. The 22-year-old has played 30 ODIs and 44 T20Is in his international career so far.

Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane to surrender to authorities and fight against rape allegations

Nepal's president is refusing to sign a new citizenship bill passed by the country's parliament. What is her justification for stalling this legislation? How long can the president delay this process? Mariam Wardak tells you.

South Asia Diary: Nepal's president rejects bill passed by parliament

The body of renowned United States ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson was found near Nepal’s Manaslu peak on Wednesday. The search party found her body in the Himalayas two days after she slipped and went missing during her skiing attempt down the world’s eighth-highest mountain.&nbsp;

The search party was headed by her partner Jim Morrison who accompanied her on the trip.&nbsp;

"The search team that left this morning on a helicopter spotted her body and is bringing her back," Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek, which organised the expedition, told AFP. &nbsp;

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Ghimire also said that her body was taken to the base camp before it was flown to Kathmandu.&nbsp;

Earlier, Nelson lost her footing while skiing and although a lot of attempts were made, she was nowhere to be found on Tuesday. The North Face, which sponsors Nelson, confirmed the climber was missing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We are in touch with Hilaree's family and supporting search and rescue efforts in every way we can," the company had said in an Instagram post.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-announces-huge-majorities-have-voted-in-favour-of-joining-russia-520387">Occupied regions of Ukraine set to ask Putin to incorporate them into Russia</a>

The rescue efforts were also&nbsp;severely hampered by avalanches and bad weather. &nbsp;

The helicopters were unable to operate on Monday and the camps were affected by severe rain, according to the tourism department of Nepal. On Tuesday, the search parties were finally able to start climbing the 8,163-metre (26,781-foot) mountain in search of Nelson when the weather improved.&nbsp;

Nelson was described&nbsp;as "the most prolific ski mountaineer of her generation" by several people as she became the first person to climb Mount Everest and its adjacent Lhotse within 24 hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The body of renowned United States ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson was found near Nepal’s Manaslu peak on Wednesday. The search party found her body in the Himalayas two days after she slipped and went missing during her skiing attempt down the world’s eighth-highest mountain.

The body of renowned United States ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson was found near Nepal’s Manaslu peak on Wednesday. The search party found her body in the Himalayas two days after she slipped and went missing during her skiing attempt down the world’s eighth-highest mountain. The search party was headed by her partner Jim Morrison who accompanied her on the trip. "The search team that left this morning on a helicopter spotted her body and is bringing her back," Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek, which organised the expedition, told AFP. Also read | China's President Xi Jinping appears in public for first time since SCO Summit Ghimire also said that her body was taken to the base camp before it was flown to Kathmandu. Earlier, Nelson lost her footing while skiing and although a lot of attempts were made, she was nowhere to be found on Tuesday. The North Face, which sponsors Nelson, confirmed the climber was missing. "We are in touch with Hilaree's family and supporting search and rescue efforts in every way we can," the company had said in an Instagram post. Also read | Occupied regions of Ukraine set to ask Putin to incorporate them into Russia The rescue efforts were also severely hampered by avalanches and bad weather. The helicopters were unable to operate on Monday and the camps were affected by severe rain, according to the tourism department of Nepal. On Tuesday, the search parties were finally able to start climbing the 8,163-metre (26,781-foot) mountain in search of Nelson when the weather improved. Nelson was described as "the most prolific ski mountaineer of her generation" by several people as she became the first person to climb Mount Everest and its adjacent Lhotse within 24 hours.

Body of famous US ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson found on Mt Manaslu in Nepal

This week on South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak: + Floods suspend Pakistan's railway operations + Constitutional crisis grips Nepal + Bangladesh mystic 'exorcises demons' with psychiatry + War-ravaged Tamils pushed to the brink Monday 8:30 PM IST | 3 PM GMT

South Asia Diary | Floods suspend Pakistan railways | Constitutional crisis grips Nepal

Nepal police have sought the help of Interpol to find the country's fugitive cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane. The suspended Nepal cricket team captain was accused of rape by a 17-year-old following which a Nepal court issued an arrest warrant against him earlier this month.

However, Lamichhane has failed to return back home for the investigation and has remained silent about his whereabouts so far. He was playing in the Caribbean Premier League when the arrest warrant was issued against him. The suspended Nepal cricket team skipper took to social media to announce he had decided to pull out of the tournament and will return home soon.

However, Lamichhane has failed to return home in time which has led the Nepal police to seek Interpol's help in locating him. The leg-spinner is said to have remained in the Caribbean after pulling out of the tournament. After the Nepal police's request, Interpol issued a 'diffusion' notice against the fugitive cricketer on Sunday urging member nations to help in locating him.

"We hope this will help the arrest of Lamichhane for the investigation of a rape complaint case against him," Nepal&nbsp;police spokesperson Tek Prasad Rai was quoted as saying by AFP.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nepal-cricketer-sandeep-lamichhane-vows-to-return-home-to-fight-rape-claim-519746">Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane vows to return home to fight rape claim</a>

On Sunday, Lamichhane had taken to Facebook to voe that he will soon return to Nepal in order to fight the allegations levelled against him. Explaining the delay in his return back home, the 22-year-old had said he is in isolation following the arrest warrant which took a toll on him physically and mentally.

Lamichhane rose to fame in 2018 when he became Nepal's first cricketer to bag a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was roped in by Delhi Capitals and spent two seasons with the team before being released. He has since been a T20 globetrotter and continues to ply his trade in different franchise leagues across the world.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ill-stay-in-my-crease-from-now-on-charlie-dean-reacts-to-her-run-out-dismissal-by-deepti-sharma-520018">'I'll stay in my crease from now on' - Charlie Dean reacts to her run-out dismissal by Deepti Sharma</a>

He was suspended as the captain of the Nepal cricket team after an arrest warrant was issued against him following the rape allegations. Lamicchane has so far played 30 ODIs and 44 T20Is for Nepal and has a total of 154 wickets to his name in the two formats combined.

Nepal police have sought the help of Interpol to find the country's fugitive cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane. The suspended Nepal cricket team captain was accused of rape by a 17-year-old following which a Nepal court issued an arrest warrant against him earlier this month.

Nepal police have sought the help of Interpol to find the country's fugitive cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane. The suspended Nepal cricket team captain was accused of rape by a 17-year-old following which a Nepal court issued an arrest warrant against him earlier this month. However, Lamichhane has failed to return back home for the investigation and has remained silent about his whereabouts so far. He was playing in the Caribbean Premier League when the arrest warrant was issued against him. The suspended Nepal cricket team skipper took to social media to announce he had decided to pull out of the tournament and will return home soon. However, Lamichhane has failed to return home in time which has led the Nepal police to seek Interpol's help in locating him. The leg-spinner is said to have remained in the Caribbean after pulling out of the tournament. After the Nepal police's request, Interpol issued a 'diffusion' notice against the fugitive cricketer on Sunday urging member nations to help in locating him. "We hope this will help the arrest of Lamichhane for the investigation of a rape complaint case against him," Nepal police spokesperson Tek Prasad Rai was quoted as saying by AFP. Also Read: Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane vows to return home to fight rape claim On Sunday, Lamichhane had taken to Facebook to voe that he will soon return to Nepal in order to fight the allegations levelled against him. Explaining the delay in his return back home, the 22-year-old had said he is in isolation following the arrest warrant which took a toll on him physically and mentally. Lamichhane rose to fame in 2018 when he became Nepal's first cricketer to bag a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was roped in by Delhi Capitals and spent two seasons with the team before being released. He has since been a T20 globetrotter and continues to ply his trade in different franchise leagues across the world. Also Read: 'I'll stay in my crease from now on' - Charlie Dean reacts to her run-out dismissal by Deepti Sharma He was suspended as the captain of the Nepal cricket team after an arrest warrant was issued against him following the rape allegations. Lamicchane has so far played 30 ODIs and 44 T20Is for Nepal and has a total of 154 wickets to his name in the two formats combined.

Nepal seeks Interpol's help to find fugitive cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane amid rape allegations

Nepali cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane defended failing to return home to face rape allegations almost three weeks after an arrest warrant, saying he intends to do so "as soon as possible".

A Nepali court issued the warrant on September 8 following an allegation by a 17-year-old girl, but Lamichhane is thought to have remained in the Caribbean, where he was playing in a tournament.

With police believed to be preparing to file an arrest warrant with Interpol, Lamichhane on Sunday issued a statement on social media reiterating that the claims against him were baseless.

"News of the arrest warrant issued against me... made me mentally disturbed. I could not think what to do and what not to do," he wrote.

"My health condition is gradually improving and I am planning to return to Nepal as soon as possible to vehemently fight back (against the allegations)."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-surpasses-virat-kohli-to-become-indias-second-most-successful-t20i-captain-519695">Rohit Sharma surpasses Virat Kohli to become India's second-most successful T20I captain</a>

Lamichhane, 22, had been a poster boy for the rise of cricket in mountainous Nepal,&nbsp;which gained one-day international status in 2018. The leg spinner's big break came when he was snapped up by the Delhi Capitals for the money-spinning Indian Premier League in 2018, and he has since been Nepal's most sought-after cricketer.

After the arrest warrant he was suspended as captain of the national team and the player pulled out of the Caribbean Premier League, where he was playing for Jamaica Tallawahs.

The social media post did not reveal his whereabouts but he is believed to still be in the Caribbean. The teenage girl, along with her guardian, filed a complaint against the player earlier this month, alleging that he raped her in a Kathmandu hotel room in August.

Police official Bharat Bohora on Monday declined to comment on Lamichhane's latest comments, saying that investigators have had no contact with the cricketer.

"The police is investigating the rape complaint filed against Sandeep Lamichhane. The investigation is on a preliminary stage," Bohora told AFP.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-opens-up-on-asking-yashasvi-jaiswal-to-leave-the-field-during-duleep-trophy-final-519706">Ajinkya Rahane opens up on asking Yashasvi Jaiswal to leave the field during Duleep Trophy final</a>

The accusations against the cricketer come after popular Nepali actor Paul Shah was sentenced to two and a half years in prison this month for sexual misconduct with a minor.&nbsp;

About 2,300 rape cases were reported in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to police, but rights workers say many more assaults go unreported.

Only a handful of women in Nepal spoke out during the #MeToo movement, and the accused have faced little or no repercussions over the allegations.

In May, hundreds protested in Kathmandu for tougher laws and enforcement in cases of sexual violence after an aspiring model posted a series of TikTok videos detailing abuse when she was a teenager.

Nepali cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane defended failing to return home to face rape allegations almost three weeks after an arrest warrant, saying he intends to do so "as soon as possible".

Nepali cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane defended failing to return home to face rape allegations almost three weeks after an arrest warrant, saying he intends to do so "as soon as possible". A Nepali court issued the warrant on September 8 following an allegation by a 17-year-old girl, but Lamichhane is thought to have remained in the Caribbean, where he was playing in a tournament. With police believed to be preparing to file an arrest warrant with Interpol, Lamichhane on Sunday issued a statement on social media reiterating that the claims against him were baseless. "News of the arrest warrant issued against me... made me mentally disturbed. I could not think what to do and what not to do," he wrote. "My health condition is gradually improving and I am planning to return to Nepal as soon as possible to vehemently fight back (against the allegations)." Also Read: Rohit Sharma surpasses Virat Kohli to become India's second-most successful T20I captain Lamichhane, 22, had been a poster boy for the rise of cricket in mountainous Nepal, which gained one-day international status in 2018. The leg spinner's big break came when he was snapped up by the Delhi Capitals for the money-spinning Indian Premier League in 2018, and he has since been Nepal's most sought-after cricketer. After the arrest warrant he was suspended as captain of the national team and the player pulled out of the Caribbean Premier League, where he was playing for Jamaica Tallawahs. The social media post did not reveal his whereabouts but he is believed to still be in the Caribbean. The teenage girl, along with her guardian, filed a complaint against the player earlier this month, alleging that he raped her in a Kathmandu hotel room in August. Police official Bharat Bohora on Monday declined to comment on Lamichhane's latest comments, saying that investigators have had no contact with the cricketer. "The police is investigating the rape complaint filed against Sandeep Lamichhane. The investigation is on a preliminary stage," Bohora told AFP. Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane opens up on asking Yashasvi Jaiswal to leave the field during Duleep Trophy final The accusations against the cricketer come after popular Nepali actor Paul Shah was sentenced to two and a half years in prison this month for sexual misconduct with a minor. About 2,300 rape cases were reported in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to police, but rights workers say many more assaults go unreported. Only a handful of women in Nepal spoke out during the #MeToo movement, and the accused have faced little or no repercussions over the allegations. In May, hundreds protested in Kathmandu for tougher laws and enforcement in cases of sexual violence after an aspiring model posted a series of TikTok videos detailing abuse when she was a teenager.

Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane vows to return home to fight rape claim

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari refused to ratify the Citizenship Bill, which was passed twice by both the Houses of Parliament, within the mandatory deadline that expired on Tuesday midnight.

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari refuses to ratify Citizenship Bill

WION Dispatch| Nepal's president Bidya Devi Bhandari refuses to ratify citizenship bill

Nepal’s President Bidhya Devi Bhandari refused to sign the bill into law which among others, would grant citizenship to children whose parents' whereabouts are not known. The bill has passed twice by a majority in the parliament, meanwhile, the deadline for the country’s nominal head to sign the bill passed at Tuesday midnight.&nbsp;

The proposed bill, among other amendments, would grant citizenship to the children born to a Nepali mother but whose father is unknown after the mother makes a declaration. If signed, it would not only grant citizenship to more than 500,000 people but also give them voting rights. This bill would also grant citizenship documents to Nepalis who are citizens of foreign countries for conducting business and economic activities in the country.&nbsp;

However, the bill named Nepal Citizenship Act has been a point of contention in the country, given that it has been passed twice in the parliament by a majority but last time it was sent back by the president citing different concerns earlier this year.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/another-political-crisis-grips-nepal-citizenship-amendment-bill-splits-nepalese-lawmakers-510570">Another political crisis grips Nepal, citizenship amendment bill splits Nepalese lawmakers</a>

On the other hand, Bhandari’s political adviser Lalbabu Yadav while indicating that the president did not authenticate the bill asserted that she did it “in order to safeguard the constitution”, said media reports. He added, “It is stated in Article 61(4) that the main duty of the president shall be to abide by and protect the constitution. This means protecting all articles of the constitution. One cannot say by looking at Article 113 that the president did not fulfill her constitutional responsibility,” said Yadav.

This move has drawn widespread criticism from many lawmakers, as the leaders of the top five political parties in the ruling centre-left alliance have said that by not signing the bill into law, she is depriving many Nepalis of their right to citizenship and calling it “unconstitutional”. In a joint statement, they said, “The unconstitutional move of the president has seriously insulted and devalued the federal parliament elected by the people.”&nbsp;

Notably, Article 113(2) of the country’s constitution, which states the provisions to authenticate the bills, indicates that any bill presented to the president for certification, in line with this article must be signed within 15 days and the Houses must be informed about that as early as possible.&nbsp;

Reportedly, as a provision, the president is also constitutionally bound to sign a bill and can send the bill back to the Houses for reconsideration once. However, since the bill was not signed by Tuesday midnight it may lead the country into a constitutional crisis.&nbsp;

Further defending the president’s move, Yadav said that the bill “does not fully comply with the provision in Part-2 of the constitution, it discriminates against women, and does not make provision of single federal citizenship with provincial identity,” the media report. 
 
A retired supreme court judge, Balaram K.C said in an interview that what Bhandari did was a grave violation of the constitution, Reuters reported. “She should either resign as president or somebody should file a case against her in the Supreme Court,” the former judge said. &nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-citizenship-bill-is-it-gender-discriminatory-510480">&nbsp;Nepal's citizenship bill: Is it gender discriminatory?</a>

Earlier this year, in August, after the bill was passed by both the Houses and sent to the president it was sent back by her. Subsequently, a spokesperson from the president’s office, Sagar Acharya, issued a statement saying that the bill was sent back for reconsideration in accordance with Article 113(3) of the constitution.&nbsp;

At the time, she raised two concerns regarding the bill not mentioning the provision for citizenship through marriage act which would be in line with Article 11(6) of the constitution and questioned the provision requiring the woman to provide citizenship to her children.&nbsp;

Article 11(6) says that a foreign woman married to a Nepali man can get a citizenship certificate after she shows proof of her marriage and proof of initiated action to cancel her foreign citizenship, which is provided for in Federal law. The Bhandari also discussed if federal laws are needed or not for citizenship as mentioned in the constitution.&nbsp;

Notably, a bill sent by the Council of ministers cannot be stopped, examined and studied by the president, this can only be done in the country’s parliament.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nepal’s President Bidhya Devi Bhandari refused to sign the bill into law which among others, would grant citizenship to children whose parents' whereabouts are not known.

Nepal’s President Bidhya Devi Bhandari refused to sign the bill into law which among others, would grant citizenship to children whose parents' whereabouts are not known. The bill has passed twice by a majority in the parliament, meanwhile, the deadline for the country’s nominal head to sign the bill passed at Tuesday midnight. The proposed bill, among other amendments, would grant citizenship to the children born to a Nepali mother but whose father is unknown after the mother makes a declaration. If signed, it would not only grant citizenship to more than 500,000 people but also give them voting rights. This bill would also grant citizenship documents to Nepalis who are citizens of foreign countries for conducting business and economic activities in the country. However, the bill named Nepal Citizenship Act has been a point of contention in the country, given that it has been passed twice in the parliament by a majority but last time it was sent back by the president citing different concerns earlier this year. ALSO WATCH: Another political crisis grips Nepal, citizenship amendment bill splits Nepalese lawmakers On the other hand, Bhandari’s political adviser Lalbabu Yadav while indicating that the president did not authenticate the bill asserted that she did it “in order to safeguard the constitution”, said media reports. He added, “It is stated in Article 61(4) that the main duty of the president shall be to abide by and protect the constitution. This means protecting all articles of the constitution. One cannot say by looking at Article 113 that the president did not fulfill her constitutional responsibility,” said Yadav. This move has drawn widespread criticism from many lawmakers, as the leaders of the top five political parties in the ruling centre-left alliance have said that by not signing the bill into law, she is depriving many Nepalis of their right to citizenship and calling it “unconstitutional”. In a joint statement, they said, “The unconstitutional move of the president has seriously insulted and devalued the federal parliament elected by the people.” Notably, Article 113(2) of the country’s constitution, which states the provisions to authenticate the bills, indicates that any bill presented to the president for certification, in line with this article must be signed within 15 days and the Houses must be informed about that as early as possible. Reportedly, as a provision, the president is also constitutionally bound to sign a bill and can send the bill back to the Houses for reconsideration once. However, since the bill was not signed by Tuesday midnight it may lead the country into a constitutional crisis. Further defending the president’s move, Yadav said that the bill “does not fully comply with the provision in Part-2 of the constitution, it discriminates against women, and does not make provision of single federal citizenship with provincial identity,” the media report. A retired supreme court judge, Balaram K.C said in an interview that what Bhandari did was a grave violation of the constitution, Reuters reported. “She should either resign as president or somebody should file a case against her in the Supreme Court,” the former judge said. ALSO READ: Nepal's citizenship bill: Is it gender discriminatory? Earlier this year, in August, after the bill was passed by both the Houses and sent to the president it was sent back by her. Subsequently, a spokesperson from the president’s office, Sagar Acharya, issued a statement saying that the bill was sent back for reconsideration in accordance with Article 113(3) of the constitution. At the time, she raised two concerns regarding the bill not mentioning the provision for citizenship through marriage act which would be in line with Article 11(6) of the constitution and questioned the provision requiring the woman to provide citizenship to her children. Article 11(6) says that a foreign woman married to a Nepali man can get a citizenship certificate after she shows proof of her marriage and proof of initiated action to cancel her foreign citizenship, which is provided for in Federal law. The Bhandari also discussed if federal laws are needed or not for citizenship as mentioned in the constitution. Notably, a bill sent by the Council of ministers cannot be stopped, examined and studied by the president, this can only be done in the country’s parliament. (with inputs from agencies)

Nepal President refuses to sign citizenship amendment bill, may trigger constitutional crisis

Last month, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch made an arrest acting on a tip which led to the discovery of an entire cell phone theft racket and uncovered how the city-based courier companies and villagers along the Indo-Bangladesh border were smuggling stolen cellphones across the border. By the end of August, the police were able to recover nearly 800 mobiles and arrest 21 people.&nbsp;

According to the sources, the high-end stolen phones would eventually be smuggled to countries like Nepal and Bangladesh while the old ones would keep circulating in India. In June 2022, constable Sambhaji Kolekar working at the Mumbai crime branch received a tip that a resident in the city was buying lost or stolen cellphones. Subsequently, a team was formed to verify how the operation was working.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, by July 15, the team was reportedly able to recover at least 490 smartphones and arrest the two accused. However, by the next month, the team would have recovered over 600 devices and arrested 12 people in connection with this racket. The police said that these phones “were stolen on buses or snatched by bike-borne perpetrators”.&nbsp;

The prime accused and his modus operandi

One of the perpetrators arrested in August was a villager from Tripura, a state close to the border, who told the police how the stolen phones were smuggled into Bangladesh. According to police sources, once the device is stolen from Mumbai its images and details are uploaded on a WhatsApp group which also has people from Bangladesh and Nepal. Subsequently, the selected phones are then packed in boxes and sent to Bangladesh.

According to the Mumbai police, one of the seven gang members and the prime accused of the racket is Ashfaq Ahmed Abdul Aziz Sheikh. “On the surface, he was a teacher at a Madarasa but in reality, he was a prime receiver of stolen phones. He was sending the phones to Nepal and Bangladesh through his contacts,” an officer told the media.&nbsp;

Sheikh was a part of 43 WhatsApp groups where he auctioned the handsets to people in Nepal and Bangladesh after changing the IMEI numbers. Reportedly, his wife and son live in Nepal where he has a bank account which had received Rs. 8 lakh from Nepal and Rs. 6 lakh from Bangladesh respectively, said the police. However, he and his gang members also bought stolen cell phones from mobile snatchers who operate across the financial capital.&nbsp;

“The boxes are then sent to a south Mumbai-based courier company, which has an Agartala, Tripura, address. The accused would collect the order in Agartala and pass it through the porous Indo-Bangladesh border, which is covered with jungles,” said the local police. They added that three people who would collect these stolen phones and sell them in Bangladesh have been identified.&nbsp;

The reason why these stolen cell phones are sold outside India is so that criminals do not have to spend money on erasing the IMEI number, which is traceable by law enforcement in the country. “Once the phone goes to another country, the IMEI number does not have much use for law enforcement agencies,” said the officer with knowledge of the matter.&nbsp;

Recent developments

The police have now managed to recover cell phones that are worth nearly a crore rupees. On the other hand, while the officers have identified the three culprits from Bangladesh they need additional evidence to hand over the case to Bangladeshi authorities for them to take action against these people, said the authorities.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, earlier this week, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) seized mobile phones that were worth nearly Rs. 40 lakh in West Bengal’s Malda district which is a part of the state that is close to the Bangladesh-India International Border (IB). Reportedly, the consignment seized on Friday had at least 359 cell phones.&nbsp;

The BSF intelligence had been tracking the movement of these smugglers when the troops saw about “10 to 12 suspected smugglers moving towards fencing with bundles when the force reached there…the smugglers fled with the help of thick darkness and bushes. After that the jawans launched a special search operation, during the search, eight bags were recovered in the pit of soil near fencing.”

The authorities with the BSF have indicated that the names of many Indian smugglers have also emerged and an FIR has been lodged against them at the local police station. The cell phones have also been handed over to the police for further investigation and legal action said the BSF.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Last month, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch made an arrest acting on a tip which led to the discovery of an entire cell phone theft racket and uncovered how the city-based courier companies and villagers along the Indo-Bangladesh border were smuggling stolen cellphones across the border.

Last month, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch made an arrest acting on a tip which led to the discovery of an entire cell phone theft racket and uncovered how the city-based courier companies and villagers along the Indo-Bangladesh border were smuggling stolen cellphones across the border. By the end of August, the police were able to recover nearly 800 mobiles and arrest 21 people. According to the sources, the high-end stolen phones would eventually be smuggled to countries like Nepal and Bangladesh while the old ones would keep circulating in India. In June 2022, constable Sambhaji Kolekar working at the Mumbai crime branch received a tip that a resident in the city was buying lost or stolen cellphones. Subsequently, a team was formed to verify how the operation was working. Earlier this year, by July 15, the team was reportedly able to recover at least 490 smartphones and arrest the two accused. However, by the next month, the team would have recovered over 600 devices and arrested 12 people in connection with this racket. The police said that these phones “were stolen on buses or snatched by bike-borne perpetrators”. The prime accused and his modus operandi One of the perpetrators arrested in August was a villager from Tripura, a state close to the border, who told the police how the stolen phones were smuggled into Bangladesh. According to police sources, once the device is stolen from Mumbai its images and details are uploaded on a WhatsApp group which also has people from Bangladesh and Nepal. Subsequently, the selected phones are then packed in boxes and sent to Bangladesh. According to the Mumbai police, one of the seven gang members and the prime accused of the racket is Ashfaq Ahmed Abdul Aziz Sheikh. “On the surface, he was a teacher at a Madarasa but in reality, he was a prime receiver of stolen phones. He was sending the phones to Nepal and Bangladesh through his contacts,” an officer told the media. Sheikh was a part of 43 WhatsApp groups where he auctioned the handsets to people in Nepal and Bangladesh after changing the IMEI numbers. Reportedly, his wife and son live in Nepal where he has a bank account which had received Rs. 8 lakh from Nepal and Rs. 6 lakh from Bangladesh respectively, said the police. However, he and his gang members also bought stolen cell phones from mobile snatchers who operate across the financial capital. “The boxes are then sent to a south Mumbai-based courier company, which has an Agartala, Tripura, address. The accused would collect the order in Agartala and pass it through the porous Indo-Bangladesh border, which is covered with jungles,” said the local police. They added that three people who would collect these stolen phones and sell them in Bangladesh have been identified. The reason why these stolen cell phones are sold outside India is so that criminals do not have to spend money on erasing the IMEI number, which is traceable by law enforcement in the country. “Once the phone goes to another country, the IMEI number does not have much use for law enforcement agencies,” said the officer with knowledge of the matter. Recent developments The police have now managed to recover cell phones that are worth nearly a crore rupees. On the other hand, while the officers have identified the three culprits from Bangladesh they need additional evidence to hand over the case to Bangladeshi authorities for them to take action against these people, said the authorities. Meanwhile, earlier this week, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) seized mobile phones that were worth nearly Rs. 40 lakh in West Bengal’s Malda district which is a part of the state that is close to the Bangladesh-India International Border (IB). Reportedly, the consignment seized on Friday had at least 359 cell phones. The BSF intelligence had been tracking the movement of these smugglers when the troops saw about “10 to 12 suspected smugglers moving towards fencing with bundles when the force reached there…the smugglers fled with the help of thick darkness and bushes. After that the jawans launched a special search operation, during the search, eight bags were recovered in the pit of soil near fencing.” The authorities with the BSF have indicated that the names of many Indian smugglers have also emerged and an FIR has been lodged against them at the local police station. The cell phones have also been handed over to the police for further investigation and legal action said the BSF. (With inputs from agencies)

Cell phones stolen from Mumbai sold in Bangladesh, Nepal

Nepal's most important festival season has kicked off in grand fashion after two years of Covid hiatus. The Indra Jatra is celebrated by Nepal's Hindus and Buddhists with chariot processions around Kathmandu. What is the legend behind this festival?

South Asia Diary | Nepal's Indra Jatra festival back after Covid-19 break

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