KATHMANDU, April 16: Police have initiated an investigation against Durga Prasai for his role in an attempted murder during the pro-monarchy protest in Kathmandu last month. Prasai, who is currently in custody at the Kathmandu District Police Office, is accused of intentionally attempting to run over security personnel with his vehicle during the protest that took place in Tinkune on March 28.
A formal complaint was filed by officers on duty, claiming that Prasai drove his vehicle directly towards them with the intent to harm. The Home Minister publicly stated that Prasai attempted to kill police personnel using his car. Police sources confirmed that video footage from the incident shows Prasai aggressively driving toward the security forces while hurling verbal abuse at them. This footage has been crucial evidence in the investigation.
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Durga Prasai now faces several serious charges, including attempted murder, treason, organized crime, and inciting unrest. Initially, the Kathmandu District Court had extended his detention under charges of treason and organized crime. However, as investigations progressed, the charges were expanded to include attempted murder.
Prasai was arrested 15 days after the incident, in Assam, India, and was transported to Nepal through the eastern border. On April 11, he was flown to Kathmandu from Chandragadhi Airport in Jhapa. Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal granted a 12-day remand for further investigation.
Durga Prasai, a controversial figure from Birtamod-5, Jhapa, had been leading a "national campaign," advocating for the preservation of the nation, religion, and culture. The District Administration had granted permission for the rally in Tinkune, but it quickly escalated into violence, with private homes set on fire, shops vandalized, and vehicles torched. During the unrest, Sabin Maharjan from Kirtipur was killed by police gunfire, and journalist Suresh Rajak died in a fire allegedly started by protesters.
Prasai fled the scene after the protest turned violent, but was later apprehended. Police had arrested several leaders of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party on the same day, but Prasai remained at large until his arrest in India.
