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Royal Murders Continue to Haunt Nepal

New regime reopens probe into 8-year-old palace massacre

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Apr 8, 2009 2:21 PM CDT
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(Newser) – In an effort to cover up their own difficulties, the Maoist rebels-turned-rulers who govern Nepal have relaunched a probe into the royal massacre that helped bring them to power, Time reports. The incident 8 years ago—the crown prince killed the king and nine other relatives before taking his own life—is back in the spotlight thanks to the prince's cousin.

By scapegoating the monarchy, the current regime apparently hopes to take some heat off itself. Meanwhile, the cousin, who now lives in Singapore, said he hopes to run for elected office in his homeland—an unlikely prospect. "That's what everyone in Nepal is laughing about," said a journalist in Kathmandu. "It's remarkable how quickly people here have otherwise forgotten the monarchy."

Chairman of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and newly elected prime minister of the nation Prachanda looks on after his election in Katmandu last August.
Chairman of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and newly elected prime minister of the nation Prachanda looks on after his election in Katmandu last August.   (AP Photo/Binod Joshi)
Nepal's King Gyanendra prays in front of the Rato Machhendranath chariot in Patan in Nepal three years ago. The Maoists have relaunched a probe into a family murder that brought him into power.
Nepal's King Gyanendra prays in front of the Rato Machhendranath chariot in Patan in Nepal three years ago. The Maoists have relaunched a probe into a family murder that brought him into power.   (AP photo/Binod Joshi, File)
Nepal's Crown Prince Paras, who now lives in Singapore, says his cousin plotted for years to kill then King Birendra over a soured weapons deal.
Nepal's Crown Prince Paras, who now lives in Singapore, says his cousin plotted for years to kill then King Birendra over a soured weapons deal.   (AP photo/Binod Joshi)
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Murder site turned into museum
BBC

Girlfriend fled after murders
BBC

Cousin plotted for years: Paras
Telegraph (UK)

 
royalty • massacre • Nepal • Maoists • Gyanendra • Birendra • Crown Prince Paras

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