By Rabi Raj Thapa

Since Ravi Lamichane was arrested on October 18, news of his arrest, trial, transfer from one District Court to another, a scuffle between his supporters and protestors with Riot Police in between is looking more like a game of Cricket than a trial of justice.

There is a vast difference between an investigation and a scientific investigation of any crime. It is absurd that the whole issue and talk of the town is focused mainly on bail or no bail during the trial. How come, there are two mass demonstrations--on one side there is a mass rally by victims, and on the other side, there is a mass rally, protest and speeches to favor the accused.

The scenario with the indictment and prosecution is going to be more serious and complex. At the end of the investigation and prosecution, chances of conviction look less likely. If and when the case fails, it is the investigation officers who will become the whipping boy once more. Several high-profile indictments of political personalities in Lalita Niwas to Bhutanese Refugee investigations cases have well demonstrated the compulsion, risk and challenges of investigation and prosecution of criminal cases like that of Ravi Lamichane.

To add salt to the wound, the heart-aching podcast of Bharat Jangam has demonstrated degradation in the sensitivity and empathy over a custodial remand of a senior citizen aged 77. In fact, Bharat Jangham has never been a dangerous person, a swindler or a cheat, and there was the least chance of absconding. The government must note the sarcasm when Jangham thanked the government and the court for the remand and delayed judicial decision and police for arresting him. Because of his arrest, he claimed, he got hospitalized and cured his blockage of arteries. He thanked his tormentors and took custodial remand as a blessing and his life a reincarnation!

Bharat Jangham is a novelist, nationalist, think-tank and freelance journalist as well. He is best known for his well-acclaimed book “Black Sun” (Kalo Surya) in Nepali language. His clean image and intolerance to corruption could not protect him from the malafied intention of the government and police in Nepal. How can a creator of an Anti-corruption icon be so easily indicted and arrested and then released without any indictment?

It is sad and painful to watch and listen to the melancholic narratives of the undefeatable moral strength of Professor Bharat Jangham stirred by pain, fear and apprehension.

Now it is sad and sorry to say that the government's approaches are turning more obstinate and arrogant, less sensitive and biased. It seems to be leading towards the Partyless Panchayet Raj of 1960s to 1990s once again.

It really hurts more to watch and listen to the helpless cry of common people who are feeling unsafe and losing hope; leaving the country and risking their lives to unchartered destiny.

In this volatile world, indiscriminate senseless killing and mayhem in  Germany and the United States have shown that the government need to do more than just hang on to the uniform forces to instil a sense of safety and security in its citizens.

As far as the sense and security are concerned, crime investigation is more vital and impactful to maintain law and order in the society and country as a whole. In this regard, Nepal Police has to play the most vital role.

Past experience has shown Nepal Police has experienced backlash as a whipping boy in all political miscalculations and mistakes in the past. Nepal Police and especially police investigation can invite discontent and violent and anarchic responses at times.

Therefore, let the security forces become bold enough not to be carried away and start to think of common people more than to follow the dictation of political masters. Let the uniformed personnel show more empathy and compassion to the victim of circumstances while performing their professional duties and responsibilities.