Kathmandu, November 3

Nepali Army’s Major Rajendra Shahi, who is also a senior member of a team assigned for the security of the prime minister, was sent to military police custody, after he was nabbed by Nepal Police on the charge of indulging in illegal gambling.

District Administration Office, Kathmandu, remanded Major Shahi to seven-day police custody. Chief District Officer Janakraj Dahal confirmed Shahi was sent to police custody.

Shahi was arrested by Metropolitan Police Sector, Gongabu, from the private residence of Som Bahadur Magar at Samakhusi on November 1, while he, along with seven others were gambling. Police have confiscated around Rs 460,000 from the gambling den.

Nepal police had handed over Shahi to the military police on the same day.

Senior Superintendent of Police Uttam Raj Subedi of Metropolitan Police Range, Teku, said they had handed over Shahi to the Nepali Army. “We have continued our investigation from our side and will file a case against him.”

Sanjeev Raj Regmi,  spokesperson for Office of the Attorney General, said Nepal Police have jurisdiction to investigate any Nepali Army officials involved in offences not related to Nepali Army. He also said it was normal for police to send Shahi to military custody in the case.

Police said Shahi was on public holiday on Friday when he was arrested.

Among others arrested from the gambling den were house owner Magar, Buddhilal Magar of Ramechhap, Jit Gurung and Kiran Jung Shah of Gorkha, Manakaji Gurung and Dharma Shah of Kathmandu and Rina