CHITWAN: The District Court, Chitwan granted release of television presenter Rabi Lamichhane, journalist Yuvaraj Kandel, and Asmita Karki also known as 'Ruku' today.

After recording the statements of the trio, the bench of District Judge Hemanta Rawal granted release of Lamichhane and Kandel on bail and Karki on general date until the verdict is passed.

According to registrar Rudramani Giri at the district court, Lamichhane and Kandel were asked to produce cash, collateral or bank guarantee while Karki was released on general date as per sections 68 and 69 respectively, of Muluki Criminal Code Act, 2017. Lamichhane was released on Rs 500,000 bail and Kandel on Rs 300,000. The registrar said they paid cash as deposits this evening.

Lamichhane, Kandel and Karki had been taken in police custody on August 15 from Kathmandu and brought to Chitwan for investigation after a video footage recorded by Journalist Shalikram Pudasaini on his mobile phone accusing the trio of abetting him to commit suicide came out. Journalist Pudasaini was found hanging in a local hotel in Chitwan, on August 5.

Earlier, the District Attorney’s Office, Chitwan had filed charge sheet against the trio at the District Court in connection with the case. The Office sought a fine of Rs 50,000 and five years’ sentence or both for each of the three in line with Criminal Code Act, 2017.