Nepal, Sept. 29 -- The government has denied that former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana was arrested, saying police "rescued" him from his residence after a security threat emerged.

Speaking to journalists after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Education Minister and government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said police safely took Rana from his residence after concerns were raised about his security.

"He was not arrested. After a security concern emerged, he was rescued and taken to safety. He has also submitted a request seeking additional security. This also confirms that there was a threat," Pokharel said.

Reports had emerged that police took Rana into custody from his residence on Saturday night and later returned him, saying secu...