Thinley Namgay  

The High Court’s (HC) bench III yesterday dismissed the appeal petition from Khandu Wangmo, Justice Kuenley Tshering and Drangpon Yeshi Dorji and convicted them of criminal conspiracy, mutiny, abettor of mutiny and other crimes.

In July this year, Thimphu dzongkhag court sentenced Supreme Court Justice Kuenlay Tshering, Pema Gatshel Drangpon Yeshi Dorji, former Royal Body Guards Commandant Brigadier Thinley Tobgay and Khandu Wangmo to a concurrent prison term ranging from five years to 12 years and six months.

However, Supreme Court Justice Kuenlay Tshering, Pema Gatshel Drangpon Yeshi Dorji and Khandu Wangmo appealed to the HC.

Khandu Wangmo was given a concurrent sentence of nine years in prison for five charges – abetting mutiny, criminal misappropriation of property, larceny by deception, illegal possession of a firearm and impersonation of uniformed personnel.

The court says that Khandu Wangmo’s nine-year prison term would end on July 6, 2029. She was arrested on July 6.

Besides a nine-year prison term, Khandu Wangmo was also sentenced to one year and six months in prison for solicitation of official misconduct and harassment. However, this prison term is compoundable as per the court.

Supreme Court Justice Kuenlay Tshering had to serve five years in prison for abetting mutiny.

Pema Gatshel Drangpon Yeshi Dorji was convicted for abetting mutiny and larceny by deception. He was given a concurrent prison term of five years.

Police arrested Supreme Court Justice Kuenlay Tshering and Pema Gatshel Drangpon Yeshi Dorji on February 16, and their prison term would end on  February 16, 2026.