Today's news centers on governance and legal accountability amid a wider backdrop of monsoon-driven disasters affecting transport, supplies, and communities.
Politics & Governance
Nepal Police detained former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana early on Sunday and released him after 12 hours, with authorities saying the move was for his protection. Police cited an unspecified security threat involving Gen Z groups, which those groups denied, prompting criticism over the legality of the operation. The National Human Rights Commission was reportedly denied access during his custody.
Courts & Accountability
Legal experts questioned whether due process was followed after Nepal Police took Rana without a warrant, despite stating he was not arrested. Rana’s family and legal professionals highlighted that no arrest warrant was obtained before the midnight detention. The episode has raised broader concerns about procedural safeguards during high-profile detentions.
Economy & Business
Monsoon disruptions continued to affect logistics, including damage and closures on key routes used for goods and energy supplies. Landslides have interrupted LPG supply to Kathmandu, leaving 125 gas bullets stranded and blocking the Prithvi Highway and the Nagdhunga-Muglin road in multiple locations. Separately, landslides also disrupted transport on the Prithviraj Highway, while the flow on the Korala road link remained disrupted due to flooding.
Society & Community
Monsoon-induced disasters caused 21 deaths, with five missing and five injured since September 24, according to NDRRMA. The Nepal Army rescued 684 people from flood and landslide-hit areas across several districts and airlifted 78 individuals from a Myagdi landslide, while delivering relief supplies and clearing at least one major road blockage (https://theannapurnaexpress.com/story/67466). In Manang, rescue teams recovered two bodies after an avalanche at Himlung, and flooding damage in the Thado Khola area affected bridges and homes; elsewhere, child marriage concerns persist in Kalikot and local police reported arrests over an alleged theft in Baitadi.
Date: September 28, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Aswin 12, 2083
Top News
1. Nepal Police detain former chief justice, release him after 12 hours (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Former Chief Justice Cholendra SJB Rana was detained by Nepal Police in a midnight operation and released after 12 hours. Police claimed the detention was for his protection against alleged threats from Gen Z groups, which those groups denied, leading to public skepticism and condemnation from legal experts regarding the legality of the arrest. The National Human Rights Commission was denied access to Rana during his custody.
2. Why was Cholendra detained? What we know about the former chief justice’s midnight detention (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana was taken from his residence early Sunday morning due to an unspecified security threat, according to police. While authorities stated he was not arrested but rather taken for his protection, Rana's family and legal professionals questioned the legality of the operation, noting no arrest warrant was obtained. Rana's recent political activities and connections have raised concerns within the government, leading to speculation about the motivations behind his detention.
3. 2 bodies recovered after avalanche leaves climbers missing in Himlung (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Two bodies have been recovered following an avalanche at Himlung Himal in Manang, with a total of 16 individuals initially reported missing, including 14 kitchen staff and two mountaineering guides. Rescue operations were hampered by darkness and adverse weather conditions, with authorities indicating that searches would resume the following day. Additionally, flooding in the Thado Khola has caused significant damage in Manang, including the destruction of bridges and homes, while communication disruptions have affected the area.
4. Transport services affected on Prithviraj Highway due to landslides (risingnepaldaily.com)
Transport services on the Prithviraj Highway have been disrupted due to landslides. Authorities are working to clear the debris and restore normal traffic flow.
5. Monsoon-induced disasters kill 21 people across the country (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Monsoon-induced disasters have resulted in 21 fatalities across Nepal, with five individuals reported missing and five injured due to landslides and flooding from heavy rainfall since September 24. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that 747 families were affected, and around 2,000 citizens were evacuated to safer locations. Significant rainfall was recorded, with the highest at 544.2 millimeters in Nawalparasi, leading to extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
6. 684 people rescued from flood and landslide-hit areas (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The Nepal Army rescued 684 individuals from flood and landslide-affected areas in Parbat, Myagdi, Baglung, and Jajarkot districts due to heavy rainfall. Notably, 78 people were airlifted from a landslide in Myagdi, while ground teams relocated 602 others to safety. The Army also delivered 979 kg of relief supplies and cleared a landslide blocking the Jogbudha-Budhar road in Dadeldhura.
7. Landslides disrupt Kathmandu’s LPG supply, 125 gas bullets stranded (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Continuous rainfall has caused landslides that have disrupted the LPG supply to Kathmandu, stranding 125 gas bullets loaded for 16 brands, which could fill approximately 150,000 cylinders. The Prithvi Highway and Nagdhunga-Muglin road are blocked at multiple locations, hindering the entry of new LPG supplies into the Valley. The Nepal Oil Corporation has assured consumers that existing stocks are being distributed and that they can quickly normalize supply once the roads are cleared.
8. बैतडीमा चोरी आरोपमा कार्यपालिका सदस्यसहित चार जना पक्राउ (nepalnews.com)
Baitadi police have arrested four individuals, including Vinodram Lohar, a member of the Dasharathchand Municipality executive, for allegedly breaking into a house and stealing copper utensils. The arrests were made following a report of a burglary at the home of Jaydev Bhatt in Ala village, where police found evidence of a planned theft involving the municipality member. Investigations are ongoing, and stolen gold items were also recovered, although some were reported missing.
9. Floods sever Korala road link (risingnepaldaily.com)
Flooding has disrupted the Korala road link, affecting transportation and accessibility in the region. Local authorities are assessing the damage and working on restoration efforts.
10. Child marriage persists in Kalikot (risingnepaldaily.com)
Child marriage continues to be a significant issue in Kalikot, with many young girls being married off before the legal age. Local authorities and organizations are working to combat this practice, but cultural norms and economic pressures remain strong obstacles.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 153.61 |
| CAD → NPR | 108.6 |
| AUD → NPR | 107.97 |
| GBP → NPR | 203.43 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.72 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4193.17 | NPR 241,542.06 |
| Silver | $61.9 | NPR 3,565.67 |
Disclaimer
- Forex rates are sourced from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
- International gold and silver prices are sourced from swissquote.
- Nepal gold and silver prices are sourced from Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association.
Prices are provided for informational purposes only and may be delayed, or inaccurate.
