Jun 16, Kathmandu - Fifteen individuals—including police personnel and inmates—have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of two prisoners at Sankhuwasabha District Prison.

The incident occurred on Shrawan 24, 2080, when 20-year-old Binod Tolaangi from Madhi Municipality-5 of Sankhuwasabha and 28-year-old Akash Balami from Kakani Rural Municipality-7 of Nuwakot lost their lives. The victims were reportedly attempting to escape by cutting the bars of the prison bathroom window when they were subdued.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the two prisoners died after being subjected to collective assault by fellow inmates and police officials, following their apprehension. 

The Sankhuwasabha District Court, presided over by Judge Rajkumar Koirala, sentenced 15 individuals—including seven police officers—to life imprisonment under the Criminal Code of 2074. The court also ordered each defendant to pay 50,000 rupees in compensation to the victims' nearest relatives, as per Section 186 of the same code.

Among those convicted are police Assistant Inspector Laxmi Chaudhary, constable Suman Gurung, prison security guards Daman Singh Rai, Sergeant Rajkumar Shrestha, and others. Additionally, prison guards, caretakers, and fellow inmates, including Min Bahadur Tamang and Indra Dhwaj Ghimire, received life sentences.

This ruling marks a significant step in ensuring accountability for violence within correctional facilities in Nepal.