KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu District Court, under Judge Harka Bahadur Chhetri, on Wednesday ordered former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara to be sent to jail pending trial.

The decision came after a hearing on the pre-trial detention.

Mahara faces investigation by the CIB for his alleged involvement in the gold smuggling case of Chinese national Li Hasong, who attempted to smuggle gold concealed in electronic cigarettes (‘vape’) on December 25, 2022.

Mahara has denied any involvement in the vape case.

The government prosecutor filed claims against him under the Organized Crime Control Act and Customs Act, seeking compensation of Rs 80.55 million.

Following the court order, Mahara was sent to Central Jail Sundhara.