Ex DIG Koirala to Serve Full 20-Year Term

The Supreme Court of Nepal has rejected the petition of former Armed Police DIG Ranjan Koirala, who is serving a prison sentence for killing his wife, Geeta Dhakal. He will now serve the full 20-year term in jail.

Koirala had asked for temporary release from jail, citing health problems. He filed the petition against the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Department of Prison Management, and the District Administration Office. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed his request.

Koirala was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife in Magh 2068 (January 2012). While serving as DIG, he allegedly killed Geeta Dhakal and tried to burn her body in Palung. Police arrested him from Thankot on Magh 28, 2068 (February 2012), and he was sent to prison.

Earlier, a Supreme Court bench had reduced Koirala’s sentence, and he was released after serving 8 years and 6 months. That decision was later canceled in Jestha 2079 (May 2022), and his full 20-year sentence was restored.

The recent Supreme Court order makes it clear that Koirala must serve the remaining time in jail. Authorities also reminded that citizens can peacefully protest or gather outside restricted areas, but Koirala will remain in prison for the crime he committed.