According to Chief Conservation Officer Kamal Jung Kunwar, Nayanacharya was arrested from Triveni of Nawalparasi on Tuesday evening.The spiritual leader has allegedly encroached 10-15 hectares of land at Triveni. The encroachment had started in 1977/78 and a temple has been built in the area. The spiritual leader also constructed a road through the park violating existing laws.
"So far, higher ups had been obstructing the arrest," said the national park. But the arrest was made on Monday by a team headed by the National Park's Ranger Laxman Roy. According to the park, 1,016 hectares of land inside the park's area has been encroached on by landless squatters and spiritual leaders.
The park has recently decided to evict 800 families from the park's area. "It is easier to evict squatters but very difficult to take action against spiritual leaders as they have political connections," said Kunwar. "This is a protected area for nature conservation and construction of temple has led to destruction of flora and fauna. We can't keep mum about this."
According to the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, anyone found breaching the Act can be fined up to Rs 10,000 and/or jailed for up to two years.
"Investigation into Prapannacharya's case has been launched and action will be taken against him," said Kunwar.
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