KATHMANDU, May 22: The Nepal National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) has voiced concerns regarding the arrest of Kailash Sirohiya, Chairman of Kantipur Publications.  Sirohiya was arrested from his office on May 21 following an arrest warrant issued by the Dhanusha District Court in connection with his citizenship issues.

The arrest occurred amidst ongoing investigative reports by Kantipur Publications regarding the alleged financial misconduct by Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane during his tenure as the managing director of Galaxy4K TV.

Siromani Dhungana, general secretary of the IPI Nepal chapter, suggested that the timing and nature of the arrest raise questions about possible political motives aimed at suppressing a critical media voice. The IPI Nepal National Committee has called on the government to respect the principles of free speech and press freedom, emphasizing that democracy thrives on transparency, participation, and accountability.