Nepal Police arrests pro-monarchy protest leader Durga Prasai

IANS, Kathmandu, April 11, 2025 : Nepal Police on Friday announced that it had arrested the absconding businessman Durga Prasai, who allegedly led the violent pro-monarchy protest on March 28. Several reports indicated that Prasai was apprehended in India before being brought to Kathmandu via the Kakarbhitta border point.

Prasai was taken into custody near the eastern border by the Special Bureau of Nepal Police, after three police teams were dispatched to India to locate him. His bodyguard, Deepak Khadka, was also arrested, according to local media.

Nepal Police Central Spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General Dinesh Kumar Acharya, confirmed the arrests and stated that both Prasai and Khadka were brought to Kathmandu for further investigation. According to police, they face charges related to committing crimes against the State and organized crime for their involvement in the violent pro-monarchist demonstrations at Tinkune on March 28.

Meanwhile, Prasai's supporters claimed that he surrendered to Indian Police after being guaranteed safety. Reports suggest that Assam Police handed him over to Nepal Police in the border area.

Tensions ran high in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu on March 28 during the pro-monarchy protests, as a massive protest was led by the Nawaraj Subedi-led joint movement committee. Businessman Durga Prasai is accused of mobilizing supporters for the protests, with backing from the Rajendra Lingden-led Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). Two people died and hundreds were injured in the violent clashes between security forces and pro-monarchy protesters in Tinkune. The violence also caused an estimated damage of Nepalese Rs 460 million.

On Tuesday, the pro-monarchist RPP staged another protest at Balkhu in Kathmandu, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and the release of party leaders and cadres in police custody. The demonstration, led by RPP chair Lingden, was held under the slogan "Let's change the system to change the situation." Police remained on high alert during the event, following the violence in Tinkune.

Nepal Police have made several arrests in connection with the violent protests, including Rastriya Prajatantra Party Vice Chairman Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana. Earlier this week, the Kathmandu District Court extended the remand of RPP leaders Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shamsher Rana, along with 18 others, for an additional 15 days as part of the ongoing investigation into their involvement in the violent protests.

On April 1, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli warned of legal action against pro-monarchy supporters involved in the violent protests. Oli stated that even former King Gyanendra Shah would not be spared if found guilty in the March 28 violence, local media reported. The strong reaction came amid growing tension in certain areas of Kathmandu following clashes between security forces and pro-monarchy protesters who were calling for the restoration of the monarchy in Nepal.

Agencies: Durga Prasai, a medical entrepreneur and key figure in the pro-monarchy movement in Nepal, has surrendered to police in India’s Assam state.

He had gone missing following the March 28 royalist protest in Kathmandu.

According to family sources, Prasai surrendered as Indian police prepared to arrest him at Nepal’s request. He is expected to be handed over at the eastern Kakarbhitta border.

Prasai recently posted videos claiming his life was in danger and had vowed to appear publicly within 24 hours.