Former Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police Chhabilal Joshi, who has been in judicial custody at Bhairahawa prison for the past two months in connection with a cooperative fraud case, has been admitted to hospital after his health deteriorated.

Joshi, who suffers from chronic hypertension, was admitted to the Universal College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) in Bhairahawa on Tuesday evening after he experienced severe irritability and a significant rise in blood pressure, according to prison officials.

“He has had blood pressure issues for a long time, but his condition worsened recently,” said Suresh Bhandari, chief of Bhairahawa prison. “He was hospitalised on Tuesday evening and will remain under medical observation for a few more days.”

Hospital spokesperson Sushil Gurung confirmed that Joshi’s condition remains unstable. “His blood pressure and irritability have increased. He is undergoing further tests and will be kept under observation for another three to four days,” said Gurung, adding that Joshi is being treated in a hospital cabin under prison supervision.

The Rupandehi District Court had remanded Joshi in judicial custody on February 10, citing insufficient grounds for release. Joshi filed an appeal at the High Court in Butwal two days later, but the court on Friday upheld the district court’s decision, ordering that he remain in custody.

A family source said Joshi and his relatives had been hopeful that the high court would order his release, and the disappointment has negatively affected his health.

Joshi, who is also the ex-director of the Gorkha Media Network, is facing charges in the Supreme Cooperative fraud case.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman and former home minister Rabi Lamichhane, who is also in judicial custody in connection with the same case, is being held in Block no 4 of Bhairahawa prison, while Joshi is in Block no 2.