Ousted Nepali PM released from prison

KATHMANDU - Jailed former Nepali prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has been freed from prison on Monday after the Supreme Court dissolved the controversial anti-graft panel which jailed him, a relative and party officials said.

"He has been released. He is at home and in good health," Bicky Deuba, the former prime minister's nephew, told Reuters.

The Royal Commission for Corruption Control, formed last year after King Gyanendra sacked Deuba and assumed absolute power, had jailed Deuba after accusing him of embezzling US$5.3 million ($7.9 million) in awarding a contract to supply drinking water to Kathmandu.

- REUTERS