Fugitive UML MP appears with PM Oli at Buddha Jayanti event

KATHMANDU: Despite being on Nepal Police’s wanted list, UML Provincial Assembly member Bishnu Panthi was seen alongside Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during the Buddha Jayanti celebration in Lumbini on Monday.

Panthi, elected from Kapilvastu Constituency No. 1 (A), participated as a guest in the event, drawing attention to his open presence despite an arrest warrant.

Police secured court approval for Panthi’s arrest 10 months ago and instructed the District Police Office in Rupandehi to take him into custody.

However, he continues to move freely, appearing at public programs alongside top leaders, including the Prime Minister.

In an effort to locate him, the District Police Office in Morang also sent letters to the Police Headquarters, District Police Range in Kathmandu, and the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in Teku. The request for his arrest was also copied to the District Police Office in Rupandehi.

Panthi, along with Devaraj Khanal, faces allegations from Pallavi Electra Pvt. Ltd. in Biratnagar for failing to pay for electrical materials they had taken.

Despite the charges and ongoing police directives, Panthi’s public appearances suggest a level of political protection, leaving law enforcement visibly powerless to act.