Prasai to be booked on multiple charges for his role to incite Tinkune violence that claimed two lives
KATHMANDU, April 12: In a dramatic development in the manhunt for the commander of last month’s deadly pro-monarchy protest in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area, Nepal Police apprehended Durga Prasai for his role in inciting violence during the protest at the Nepal-India border on Friday and brought him back to Kathmandu.
Later that day, the Kathmandu District Court granted police a 12-day remand to keep Prasai in custody for questioning over a range of serious criminal charges related to the March 28 incidents in Tinkune.
Arrested in India, handed over at the border
According to high-ranking police sources, Prasai was arrested on Thursday in Guwahati, Assam, by Indian police after being monitored by Nepali security personnel disguised as street vendors. He was handed over across the Indo-Nepal border later that night and brought to Kathmandu on Friday via Bhadrapur.
Court extends Durga Prasai’s judicial remand by four days
A senior official at Nepal Police Headquarters confirmed the operation, describing it as the result of “tight cross-border coordination” between Nepali and Indian forces. Prasai’s bodyguard, Deepak Khadka, was also detained and flown to Kathmandu alongside Prasai.
Retired police officials claim that it is a normal practice of security agencies of Nepal and India to assist each other in apprehending criminals in absence of an extradition treaty between the two countries that share an open border regime. “The absence of an official repatriation between India and Nepal creates an obstacle to controlling cross-border crimes,” a former police spokesperson told Republica, “In such circumstances, the security agencies of both the countries have had a tradition of helping each other out.” He added that cross-border police operations take place frequently in cases related to drug smuggling.
Court proceedings and health concerns
Within hours of his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Prasai was taken directly to the Kathmandu District Government Attorney's Office and then presented to a single bench of Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal. The court granted police a 12-day remand to investigate further into his role in the March 28 violence..
Judge Dhakal also ordered Prasai to be provided with required medical care, mentioning the accused is suffering from cancer. The court emphasized that his health should be taken into account while he remains in custody. Prasai faces a range of serious charges related to the violent protest at Tinkune area on March 28, including attempted murder, robbery, arson, vandalism, assault on security forces and organized crime.
Monarchist group appeals for Prasai’s safety
The Joint People's Movement Committee, the driving force behind the monarchist protest, has condemned the arrest of Prasai in a strong statement released on Thursday evening. The group alleged that Prasai had not escaped Nepal, but voluntarily sought refuge from Indian authorities to ensure safe repatriation.
The committee also expressed serious concern regarding the safety of Prasai, informing that he was at a "serious risk of being voluntarily disappeared." It requested national and international human rights organizations, civil society and media to closely monitor his situation and report on his well-being.
Focusing on his health status and legal obligations, the group requested the National Human Rights Commission and Government of Nepal to make sure Prasai is escorted to medical and legal visits safely.
Deadly protest that sparked widespread violence
Prasai is accused of orchestrating and inciting the rampageous protest in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu on March 28, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals—journalist Suresh Rajak and protester Sabin Maharjan. At least 129 others were injured during the chaos, including protesters and security personnel. Five victims still remain hospitalized.
Police indicate that the demonstration, organized by the Joint People's Movement Committee for the Restoration of Monarchy led by Nabaraj Subedi, escalated into arson, looting and violence. Members of the movement are said to have vandalized 69 vehicles and torched at least 40 buildings including business houses, media offices and government offices.
Multiple videos have surfaced across various social media platforms showing Prasai himself attempting to drive over police personnel in his car during the unrest.
