KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Centre) spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota has stated he will make an official statement regarding the conflict-era murder case filed against him only after the complete text of the Supreme Court’s recent verdict is available.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday after the party’s office-bearers meeting at Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s residence in Khumaltar, Sapkota emphasized, “I will share my official position only after the full text of the verdict is released. The public rumors surrounding this matter hold no truth.”

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench issued an order permitting police to resume investigation into the murder of Arjun Lama from Kavre, which occurred during Nepal’s armed conflict.

Sapkota, a former Speaker of the House and vice-chairperson of the Maoist Centre, is among the accused in the case.
The case was initially filed by Arjun Lama’s wife, Purnimaya Lama, after local police and administration refused to register her complaint.

Following this refusal, she petitioned the Supreme Court, which ordered authorities to register the case and begin an investigation. Following that order, Kavre District Police issued an arrest warrant against Sapkota.

However, on July 27, 2012, the Baburam Bhattarai-led government decided to put the case in abeyance, instructing authorities not to pursue legal action against Sapkota and others named in the case.

Purnimaya Lama subsequently filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court on November 22, 2012, challenging the government’s suspension decision and demanding the investigation resume.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench ruled in favor of Purnimaya Lama. The court invalidated the earlier decisions by the Bhattarai-led cabinet, thereby restoring the legal framework for a full investigation into the murder.

Sapkota has reiterated that he will respond officially only after reviewing the full Supreme Court decision, dismissing ongoing public speculation as baseless.