KATHMANDU: A murder case was lodged in the Kathmandu District Court (KDC) on Thursday against Biren Shrestha (Pradhan), who has been accused of Khyati Shrestha’s abduction and murder.

Kathmandu District Government Attorney’s Office (KDGAO) lodged the case,

demanding life sentence for and confiscation of the property belonging to the alleged killer.

The prosecutor alleged that Pradhan had committed the murder, violating the Muluki Ain and Sections 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 of the Kidnap and Abduction Act.

KDGAO claimed that Pradhan deserved punishment as per Number 13 (1) of the murder chapter of the Muluki Ain and sought half the punishment for Merina Shakya, the prime accused’s accomplice. Khyati was abducted and killed on June 5.

The prosecutor also sought a court order to recover Rs 1 million from the accused, paid in ransom by the victim’s family. Gopal Banstola, registrar, KDC, said the hearing on whether or not to grant bail to the accused would begin tomorrow. He said the statement would be recorded prior to the hearing.

Prime accused Pradhan had admitted in his statement to the police and the prosecutor that he had abducted and killed the teenager, as per his plan to take the ransom and ultimately kill her.

Demanding stern action against the killer, a number of students, friends and family members of Khyati chanted slogans outside the court building.