The Patan High Court on Thursday upheld the Kathmandu District Court’s order to send former Madhesh Province head Rajesh Jha, also known as Rajesh Ahiraj, in custody.

The bench, led by Chief Judge Lal Bahadur Kunwar and Judge Khadanand Tiwari, gave continuity to the earlier order. Jha had challenged the District Court ruling after being sent to Dillibazar Prison on July 30 by Judge Pitambar Sharma.

Jha is accused of raping a woman at his New Baneshwar residence on May 18. He was arrested on July 9, and the Government Attorney’s Office filed charges nine days later based on the police report. Jha has filed a counter-case against the woman.