In a new twist to Sobhraj-Nihita love story, it has now come to light that the 'Bikini killer' has appointed Nihita's mother Shakuntala Thapa, a lawyer having close links with Maoists, to defend him in a murder case.
Shakuntala Thapa, a CPN-UML supporter who recently switched to CPN-Maoist, is handling Sobhraj's case as a lawyer, The Himalayan Times reported.
Sobhraj has appointed Shankutala as his lawyer in order to build bridges with the CPN-Maoist, waiting to form a new government after it emerged as the largest party in the Constituent Assembly election, the paper said.
The daily also claimed that Shakuntala is close to influencial Maoist leader and Minister for Physical Planning and Works, Hisilayami.
The love affair between 20-year-old Nihita and the criminal mastermind has grabbed media attention in the Indian subcontinent.
Sakuntala is the legal advisor of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project, which comes under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works led by Maoist minister Yami, according to a legal professional.
Shakuntala is also contesting for the post of vice President for Nepal Bar Association (NBA) on July 12 as the joint leftist candidate, NBA sources said.
{{/usCountry}}Shakuntala is also contesting for the post of vice President for Nepal Bar Association (NBA) on July 12 as the joint leftist candidate, NBA sources said.
{{/usCountry}}However, her political links will have no impact on Sobhraj's murder case, legal experts say.
Whether she has political connection or not doesn't make any difference in the judgment of Sobhraj's case, said Supreme Court lawyer Dinesh Tripathi. The case will be decided on the basis of merit, he added.