May 01, Kathmandu - Businessman Deepak Bhatt, currently in custody for investigation into money laundering allegations, has had his petition for release from detention postponed. The petition, filed by his wife Aayushma Nepal, was scheduled for hearing today but has been rescheduled to next Monday due to the unavailability of the hearing.

Bhatt, who was detained by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police on Baisakh 18 from Naxal, Kathmandu, is facing an extended seven-day detention order for further investigation. The details regarding the reason for the postponement remain undisclosed.

The Supreme Court’s bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Sapna Pradhan Malla, was set to hear the case today, but the hearing was deferred to Chaitra 19. The court has not provided an explanation for the postponement.

Investigations into Bhatt’s assets are ongoing by the Department of Asset Laundering Control. Based on the investigation, Bhatt’s passport has also been placed on the blacklist. Bhatt’s advocates argue that his detention is unlawful and have filed for his release in the Supreme Court.