Kathmandu,– The Kathmandu District Court has ordered medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai and six others to be remanded in judicial custody in connection with the protest held in Tinkune, Kathmandu. The order was issued by Judge Dhruba Raj Karki’s bench on Thursday night.
The individuals are being prosecuted for their alleged involvement in criminal acts, arson, and anti-state activities during a demonstration held in support of the former monarchy in the Tinkune area. According to police investigations and the government attorney’s report, the protest turned violent, leading to the death of journalist Suresh Rajak and another individual who died from a gunshot wound.
Charges Filed and Legal Representation on Both Sides
Alongside Prasai, the court ordered Saroj Gautam, Gokarna Shahi, Dandapani Regmi, Sushil Baral, Keshav Basnet, and Jit Bahadur Shrestha to be held in custody. They are being charged with offenses including crimes against the state, attempted murder, homicide, criminal unrest, and organized crime. A team of senior lawyers represented Prasai in court, while a team led by Deputy Attorney General Ram Hari Sharma Kafle presented arguments on behalf of the government.
32 Others Released on Bail, Fire Incident Under Investigation
Meanwhile, the court has ordered the release of 32 others who were arrested in connection with the same case, on varying bail amounts. Harihar Chaulagain, Santosh Kumar Silwal (known as Santosh Rajabadi), and Hemraj Tharu, all affiliated with the ATF group supporting Prasai, were released on bail of NPR 100,000 each.
Others were released on bail amounts ranging from NPR 10,000 to NPR 50,000. Notable names among those released include: Gopal Malla Thakuri – NPR 20,000, Pashupati Khadka – NPR 10,000, Bishnu Parajuli – NPR 10,000, Nirajan Giri – NPR 50,000, Amit Shah – NPR 50,000, Suman Karki – NPR 10,000, and Manoj Sapkota – NPR 10,000, among others.
The protest on Chaitra 15, 2081 BS (March 28, 2025) was jointly organized by the “Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizens Rescue Campaign” led by Durga Prasai, and the “Joint People’s Movement Committee for the Restoration of Monarchy” led by Navaraj Subedi. During the protest, a building of Sunalo Indreni Savings and Credit Cooperative, chaired by Prem Bahadur Shrestha, was set on fire, resulting in the death of journalist Suresh Rajak at the scene.
