Serial blast accused wins in Nepal polls

An accused in the September 2007 Kathmandu serial blasts, regarded as a “most wanted” criminal, has won in the elections.

An accused in the September 2007 Kathmandu serial blasts, regarded as a “most wanted” criminal, has won as an independent candidate in the just concluded historic Constituent Assembly polls in Nepal.

Baban Singh, allegedly involved in the serial blasts that killed three and injured dozens, has won from Rautahat constituency as an independent despite remaining absent throughout the campaign, officials said.

Singh, also a suspect in a murder in a Terai village, went underground since the police launched a manhunt for him, they said.

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Interestingly, his father Jagannath Singh campaigned for him asking voters to save his life by electing him to the Assembly.

Posters showing him hanging with a rope around his neck were pasted throughout the constituency with the slogan “Save Me from death sentence”.

Jagannath Singh also went to the Election Commission’s district office in Rautahat to receive the winner’s certificate on behalf of his son after results were declared, but was refused.

The Election Commission said the candidate must appear in person to receive the document.

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It is yet to be known whether Baban will enter the Assembly or not.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

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