Kathmandu District Court has ordered the detention of former Madhesh Province head Rajesh Jha, also known as Ahiraj, as he awaits trial on sexual misconduct charges.

A single bench of judge Pitambar Sharma issued the order on Wednesday. Following the decision, Jha was transferred to Dillibazar Prison for pre-trial detention.

Jha was arrested on July 19 in connection with a complaint of sexual misconduct. The case is currently under formal investigation.

He was appointed head of Madhesh Province on February 19, 2021, by the KP Sharma Oli-led government. His term was cut short after the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government replaced him within six months.

Before entering public office, Jha was involved in media and publishing, notably running the Madheshbani weekly newspaper.