KATHMANDU: The former head of the Bhainsepati Police Division in Lalitpur, Binukumari Shahi, has been the subject of an arrest warrant in connection with a honey trap investigation. Although Lalitpur Police Chief Shekhar Khanal acknowledged that the warrant had been issued, he did not say when it was issued, suggesting that it might have been prior to the Dashain celebration.

SSP Khanal stated, “Now that the arrest warrant has been issued, we are prepared to apprehend Shahi and bring her in for questioning,” emphasizing that police are actively searching for her. The honey trap case has already led to the arrest of four individuals, including an assistant constable who was working in the Bhainsepati area.

Inspector Shahi is charged with arranging a false rape complaint as part of the honey trap plot in exchange for a Rs 30 lakh deal with the purported victim. When the victim told the authorities about the occurrence, law enforcement took swift action, which led to the discovery of this case.

Following the incident's revelation, Shahi was removed from her duties and transferred to the Metropolitan Police Office in Ranipokhari, where she was subsequently suspended. The police have stated they are unaware of her current whereabouts as she is currently under royal suspension.

In addition to Shahi, authorities have arrested three other individuals, including the woman allegedly involved in the honey trap scheme. The initial arrests were made nearly three weeks ago, and the police are preparing to submit their investigation report to the district attorney’s office soon.

There have been rumors that after the investigation report is turned in, Shahi would be listed as a fugitive defendant. The urgency of the legal proceedings is highlighted by the law's need that a charge sheet be submitted to the court within 25 days of the police arrests in this case.

The police officer's involvement in the case and the grave accusations made about the honey trap strategy have garnered a lot of attention. The police department is being watched closely as they manage the matter, striking a balance between the legal need for procedure and the demand for responsibility.