KATHMANDU: Judge Dr. Khushiram Tharu of the Birgunj branch of Janakpur High Court was publicly humiliated when individuals, reportedly linked to the Communist Party of Nepal (Majority), smeared his face with black soot while he was on the bench.

Police intervened promptly and arrested two of the attackers.

The assault occurred days after Judge Tharu led a bench that acquitted Nepali Congress leader Mohammad Aftab Alam, who was serving time in a high-profile murder case, sparking outrage.