Chief Justice Sharma denies knowing Inam Sapkota, police form separate probe committee

Chief Justice Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma has claimed he has no acquaintance, contact or involvement with Inam Sapkota, who has been described as a middleman. In a statement issued on Thursday, he made clear that he has no direct or indirect acquaintance or contact with Inam.

Chief Justice Sharma expressed serious objection to his name being linked in various media outlets to an alleged "bribery" episode said to have taken place in the United States. He also said that reports linking his name with Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker and former AIG Bishwaraj Pokharel were misleading and fabricated. Lawmaker Pokharel has also denied any relationship with Inam.

Meanwhile, as links between Inam Sapkota and numerous high-ranking individuals have begun to surface, police have formed a separate committee to carry forward the investigation. It has been reported that Inam's connections extend to judges, police and Armed Police Force officials, businesspeople, civil servants and even lawmakers.

The Nepal Bar Association has demanded a fair and independent inquiry into publicly reported details of conversations and meetings said to have taken place between Supreme Court justices and individuals linked to disputed cases. Inam Sapkota is currently in detention in a money-laundering case.