Lal Bahadur Bishwakarma (BK), a resident of Ithari, and a returned migrant who served two years abroad started working as a Blacksmith at Singadevi Jewellers. His life took an unexpected turn when a case was filed against the jewelers in the District Court Sunsari, on 5th July, 2018. The accusation claimed that the jewelers had allegedly embezzled between 10 thousand to 1 million Nepalese rupees from 275 different individuals. The depositor of Singadevi Jewellers also filed a complaint on 4th July 2018, claiming a loss of 5.26 million Nepalese rupees. Lal Bahadhur, who was working as a Blacksmith, ended up being named as one of the defendants.
There was no evidence that proved Lal Bahadhur’s involvement in any fraudulent activities. His employer also stated that he was not involved in this case. However, a verdict that left many puzzled was issued by the District Court Sunsari on 7th January 2022, under the bench of Nirmala Yongha, disregarding the testimony of 72 witnesses, including the prime accuser, who all spoke to his innocence. Based on his Master’s signatures, Lal Bahadhur was charged 70,000 rupees fine, a 30.14 million Nepalese rupees cash value fine, and sentenced to 18 months, revolving around an alleged unlicensed banking transaction and fraud. He voluntarily surrendered himself and complied with the order of court on 17th December 2022. For the Bishwakarma family, who labor day and night to make ends meet, paying 30 million rupees was unimaginable.
Initially, the media overlooked the case of Lal Bahadhur BK’s case. On 12th December 2022, Sabin Ghimire, a journalist of Bikalpa Khabar discovered the details of the case and reached out to Dil Kumari Gahtraj, BK’s wife after visiting his residence in Tarahara. Subsequent conversations were carried out by him with the relatives of BK, including complainant Ganga Devi Gurung. It became evident that none believed he was guilty. Despite this consensus, the court sentences him to millions of rupees and 18 months in prison. Ghimire sought to unravel the truth behind the allegations.
On December 14, an interview discussing BK’s case was posted through Bikalpa Khabar on Facebook and YouTube. It served as a catalyst to spread the intricacies of the case across various social media platforms. Instead of merely ending with the interviews, Ghimire showed a dedication to spreading the truth and pursuing justice by following the case until it was resolved.
On December 16, 2022, Bikalpa Khabar, published the comprehensive text of the verdict handed down by the district court. It once again brought the case into the spotlight. After a careful review, it became evident that BK had been scammed, possibly by his boss Deepak Gajmer’s father, Krishna Bahadur Gajmer. Krishna Bahadhur Gajmer claimed to be illiterate mentioning in both police and court documents. He said “BK came to the shop in the absence of his son, with the passbooks of individuals who had deposited 1 million rupees”. He allegedly tasked BK to sign the two passbooks and took the money. This revelation triggered a surge of debate and discussions in the public sphere, further intensifying the scrutiny of the case.
The justice in the Lal Bahadur case was initially hindered by a sense of confusion and doubt, which prevented many from speaking openly on his behalf. This publication got widespread attention, reaching thousands of people, and prompting numerous shares.
In a country like Nepal, where there is mistrust in the accessibility of justice for the underprivileged groups, many doubted that BK’s case would receive a fair outcome. The closed Facebook page Routine of Nepal Banda, which amassed over 4 million followers, played a pivotal role by repeatedly sharing posts related to the case on January 2, and March 23, 2023. This ultimately amplified the call for justice in this case.
These impactful posts reached millions, resonating deeply with thousands who engaged through comments, likes, and shares. Overnight, the campaign “Justice for Lal Bahadhur “gained momentum on diverse social media platforms and the digital sphere became a battleground for voices advocating for fairness.
The media setting initially reserved in the case’s coverage, gradually pivoted to a more active position. Ratopati Online published an article titled ‘”72 people declared innocent, but Lal Bahadur in Jail for not being able to pay 30 Million”. By delving into the broader impact on the Lal Bahadur family, Sabin Ghimire published the article” Lal Bahadur Family in Trouble”. On May 5, 2023, a video titled “Lal Bahadhur trapped in the owner’s fraud”, authored by Sabin Ghimire, was posted which garnered widespread attention. Similarly, National-level online media Shilapatra raised its voice with an article titled “Who listens to Lal Bahadur’s Pain”. ‘ The case then received attention from the mainstream media, like Kantipur with the article “Lal Bahadur waits for hearing for Rs 40 million case”. Rajdhani Dainik also commented with an article “ Labourers on 3 crore Charge”.
On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day, the president granted amnesty to various criminals in Nepal. National-level TV News Twenty-Four aired a video titled ‘Resham Chaudhary’s face in the mirror of Lal Bahadhur’. This show highlighted the perceived delay, and urgency in addressing BK’s case. The collective efforts of the media played a crucial role in the amplification of the issue. All the while, Bikalpa Khabar chose to interview Lal Bahadhur’s father Harka Bahadhur BK, shedding light on the challenging financial condition of the Bk family.
As many Nepali’s trust in Nepal’s legal system began to crumble, a collective expression of discontent led to peaceful demonstrations. On January 5, the protest was held in front of the Itahari sub-metropolitan city office, demanding justice and reflecting dissatisfaction with the legal proceedings. Simultaneously, the call for justice was echoed in the street of Kathmandu on the same day. Nepal was gripped by the demand for justice for Lal Bahadhur. Hundreds of zealous youth in Biratnagar took part in a protest on 8th May 2023, led by Bikalpa. Meanwhile, the appeal for justice was heightened when a broad collection of youngsters representing many socioeconomic groups like MRR and the Dari gang conducted a demonstration on 15th July 2023. The protest was witnessed by politicians, artists, and people from other fields as well. On 19th July,2023, locals from Itahari once again held a peaceful protest, which in addition to drawing attention inspired locals to get involved and speak up.
On January 10, 2023, the first hearing of the appeal of the Lal Bahadur case was carried out. After that, seven hearings were postponed which took a toll on the mental and physical well-being of BK’s family. Lal Bahadhur BK’s wife once fainted upon hearing about the hearing being postponed. Despite facing such challenges, journalist Ghimire remained undeterred. With an unwavering commitment and adopting a more aggressive stance on social media and public spaces, he escalated his efforts. He used various mediums; he produced various impactful videos, audio, and articles to disseminate the information widely. Beyond that, he assembled the support of artists, singers, political leaders, vloggers, renowned personalities, and groups like Dari Gang, MRR, and Routine of Nepal Banda. This collaborative approach inspired a broader community to join the chorus and raise their voices for the pursuit of justice.
Beyond the media coverage, Ghimire applied pressure on the Members of the National Party to vocalize on the issue. Gyanendra Shahi, a spokesperson and prominent leader of the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party, wrote on his social media that Lal Bahadhur had been wronged in the High Court proceedings. The momentum continued when he met with Sabin Ghimire on July 15, looking for more information about the BK’s situation.
The case gained further political resonance when the three members of parliament from the Rashtriya Swantrata Party took a bold stand in the Parliament House on June 14. These lawmakers visibly portrayed their solidarity with the cause, dressed in T-shirts with the message “Justice for Lal Bahadhur BK”. Subsequently, when Ravi Lamichhane, President of the Rashtriya Swatantrata Party, visited Biratnagar on July 22, Ghimire posed the question of what has his party done to provide BK justice. In response, he affirmed that his party and parliament were actively advocating for justice on his behalf.
This widespread attention spurred a change in the legal setting. The previously apathetic advocates started taking interest in the case and contributing to BK’s defense. During the 9th session of the hearing on June, an advocate and Member of Parliament from the Rashtriya Parajatantra Party, Hon. Sobita Gautam confirmed that she would personally argue in favor of BK.
Senior advocate Man Bahadur Rai, Advocate Karn Bahadur Rai, Advocate Sovita Gautam, and Advocate Shulabh Pyakurel unfolded the case through a compelling legal battle at the High Court. Their teamwork resulted in the momentous victory, and Lal Bahadur was cleared of all charges upon him. Promptly, journalist Sabin Ghimire shared this groundbreaking news through a live broadcast, expressing his gratitude to all the supporting hands.
This pleasing news returned happiness to the Lal Bahadhur family. This incident portrays that justice is still very much present in Nepalese Society. Lal Bahadur BK was freed from prison by the court’s order on August 2, 2023. He has now been running his own small business and living a happy life with the family. Meanwhile, Sabin Ghimire and Bikalpa Khabar have been persistently speaking out and drawing attention to the issue often overlooked.
