The Daring 1973 Nepal Plane Hijacking: A Political Heist That Shook a Nation

In the annals of Nepali political history, few events are as dramatic and consequential as the 1973 plane hijacking. This audacious act, orchestrated by the Nepali Congress party, wasn't merely a crime; it was a desperate maneuver to fund an armed struggle against the autocratic Panchayat system, then firmly entrenched in power.

At the heart of this historical episode was Basant Bhattarai, the husband of Nepal's first woman Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, alongside future Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, orchestrating a high-stakes operation that captivated the region.

The target was a Royal Nepal Airlines (RNA) Twin Otter flight, registration 9N-ABG, on its routine journey from Biratnagar to Kathmandu.

What made this flight particularly attractive to the hijackers was its precious cargo: an estimated Rs 3 million (equivalent to Rs 300 million in today's value) from the then-Nepal Rastra Bank branch in Biratnagar, destined for the capital. The sum was vast, representing a critical lifeline for the Nepali Congress's 'People's Revolution' movement, which aimed to overthrow the monarchy-backed Panchayat system through armed insurgency.

The morning of June 10, 1973, began like any other for the 19 passengers and three crew members onboard.

However, shortly after takeoff, Basant Bhattarai, along with Durga Subedi and Nagendra Prasad Rijal, sprang into action. They brandished what appeared to be hand grenades – later revealed to be mere toys – and hijacked the aircraft. Their demand was simple and audacious: divert the plane to Forbesganj, a remote airstrip in Bihar, India.

The pilot, Captain Guru Prasad Limbu, under duress, complied, flying the Twin Otter across the border.

Upon landing in Forbesganj, the hijackers, with precision and speed, unloaded the jute bags brimming with cash. These funds were crucial for procuring weapons and sustaining the cadres of the Nepali Congress operating from their exile base in India.

Girija Prasad Koirala, who was observing from the ground, played a pivotal role in coordinating the ground operation, ensuring the swift transfer of the loot.

Among the passengers caught in this extraordinary event was the renowned Indian actor Mala Sinha, along with her husband and daughter. The article references her recalling the harrowing experience, though without detailed quotes, emphasizing the impact on ordinary lives caught in political turmoil.

The hijackers, after securing the money, allowed the passengers and crew to disembark unharmed, making their escape with the massive sum.

The aftermath saw a massive manhunt, but the hijackers managed to evade immediate capture. While the act was condemned by the Nepali government, within the Nepali Congress, it was hailed as a necessary evil, a revolutionary act to fund the struggle for democracy.

The stolen money was indeed used to purchase weapons, including sophisticated arms from Belgium, further intensifying the insurgency against the Panchayat regime.

Over the years, the political landscape shifted dramatically. The Panchayat system eventually crumbled, and democracy was restored in Nepal.

Many of those involved in the hijacking, including Girija Prasad Koirala, went on to hold prominent positions in Nepali politics, with Koirala himself serving multiple terms as Prime Minister. Basant Bhattarai, though not as politically prominent as Koirala, remained a figure associated with this defining moment, further highlighted by his marriage to Sushila Karki, who shattered glass ceilings to become Chief Justice.

The 1973 hijacking remains a potent symbol of a desperate struggle for freedom, a daring heist woven into the fabric of Nepal's journey towards democracy, and a stark reminder of the lengths to which people will go for their political ideals.