Kathmandu — A growing controversy surrounding Jayabir Deuba, the son of former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, has raised questions about press freedom and the use of cyber laws in Nepal. The issue emerged after viral social media claims suggested that Jayabir had purchased the Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu — a claim that has since triggered arrests and widespread criticism.
Rumors, Reactions, and Official Denial
The controversy began nearly three weeks ago when online platforms started sharing unverified claims that Jayabir Deuba had acquired the luxury Hilton Hotel located in Kathmandu’s Naxal area. The rumor quickly gained traction, drawing strong reactions from the public, particularly from youths active on social media.
While some viewed the speculation as political gossip, others used it to question the economic transparency of political families. In response, the hotel’s managing authority — the Shanker Group — issued an official statement denying that any shares had been sold to Deuba or any other party. Despite the denial, the issue remained in the public eye, largely due to the lack of third-party verification and growing political interest.
Arrests Under Cyber Law
As the rumors continued to circulate, the Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau arrested Sujit Kesi, coordinator of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s (RPP) youth wing, for sharing a Facebook post referencing the controversy. Kesi was held in custody for six days under cybercrime charges. His detention was later challenged in the Supreme Court, which ordered his release, stating that the arrest lacked legal justification.
Soon after, a second arrest warrant was issued against senior journalist Dilbhusan Pathak, who discussed the controversy on his YouTube talk show, Tough Talk. In a segment titled “Tough Explainer,” Pathak examined the Hilton Hotel purchase rumor and linked Jayabir Deuba to Shanker Group’s Managing Director Sahil Agrawal and businessman Deepak Bhatt. He also mentioned past incidents such as tax rate changes during Sher Bahadur Deuba’s tenure that allegedly benefited personal interests, and the controversy around the approval of a 17-storey building connected to the same hotel.
Based on a complaint filed by the Deuba family, the Cyber Bureau obtained an arrest warrant from the Kathmandu District Court, accusing Pathak of broadcasting “fabricated content” under the Electronic Transactions Act. The move was met with sharp criticism from media freedom advocates, who argue that Nepal’s cyber laws are increasingly being used to suppress journalistic inquiry and public dissent.
Public Scrutiny or Political Retaliation?
The controversy has reignited a national debate over whether family members of high-profile political leaders should be subject to public scrutiny. Jayabir Deuba, as the son of a five-time Prime Minister and the current Foreign Minister, is inevitably in the public spotlight. Critics argue that asking questions about the business dealings, assets, and public behavior of such individuals is not only justified but essential in a democratic society.
Press freedom organizations have expressed concern that journalists are being targeted simply for raising uncomfortable questions. The arrests are being viewed by many as part of a broader trend of censorship in Nepal, where digital laws are being misused to limit investigative reporting.
As the case continues to develop, the Nepali public and international observers are closely watching how the government will balance individual rights with constitutional freedoms. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression and democratic accountability in the country.
