KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 23

Charles Sobhraj, a French serial killer who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the 1975 murders of two North Americans, has been released, today.

The 78-year-old serial killer was released from prison after 19 years for good behavior, citing poor health, and after having served the majority of his sentence.

He had been filing habeas corpus petitions at the Supreme Court for the last four years, citing advanced age and heart condition.

He had also served 21 years in an Indian prison before escaping it in 1986. The serpent, his nickname for his disguise and escapade, has been transferred from Central Jail to the immigration department.

He will be deported to France and will be barred from returning to Nepal for the rest of his life.

However, it has been reported that he requested to be admitted to the Gangalal Hospital for treatment for ten days.

He had heart surgery there in 2017.

He has also been dubbed the 'Bikini Killer' due to his proclivity to target young women, particularly young western backpackers.