A single bench of Judge Madhav Pokhrel granted the remand to the accused for his involvement in the abduction bid on November 11. The bench, however, released Pratikshya Ratna Shah, another accused in the bid, on Rs 100,000 bail. Hamal had sought a ransom of Rs 10 million from Prerana, which he admitted in the court. However, Pratikshya declined the charge while recording statement in the court.

The duo is said to have threatened Prerana to kill her husband Raj Bahadur Singh and her son in

the failure to pay the ransom. Rajesh Hamal had sent a text message to her mobile from his own for the purpose.

The government has sought seven-year jail term for the accused. Up to 15 years of jail can be slapped for one guilty of committing the crime as per Section 5 and 6 of Abduction Chapter of the Muluki Ain, 1963. Stating that both the accused were involved in the crime, the prosecutor sought punishment.