Dev Bahadur Maharjan was arrested on 26 November 2003 by members of the Nepal Army. He was illegally detained at the Chhauni military barracks from the time of his arrest until 17 September 2004, when he was transferred to an official detention facility. He was not able to contact his family, friends, or consult with a lawyer during this time. While Mr. Maharjan was detained in the military barracks, he was subject to torture and ill-treatment. Soldiers severely tortured him for four consecutive nights, and would randomly beat him and other detainees throughout his detention. Mr. Maharjan suffered injuries from this torture, but was not provided with medical treatment.
Mr. Maharjan was finally released from detention on 7 January 2005, after his sister filed a successful petition for a writ of habeas corpus. There has been no investigation by the state into Mr. Maharjan’s enforced disappearance and torture, and Mr. Maharjan has not been given any compensation for his illegal arrest and detention.
AF and REDRESS submitted the communication on 31 December 2008. The case was registered on 14 February 2009.
Full Text of the HRC Decision on Maharjan Case.
