Kathmandu, April 3 – The Kathmandu District Court has prolonged the detention of senior leaders from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), including Deputy Chairman Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana, as well as another 39 individuals. This extension allows authorities an additional six days to investigate their alleged roles in the chaotic demonstrations held last Friday.
On Wednesday, Judge Dhakaram Poudel gave an order allowing authorities to detain the individuals for further investigations due to allegations involving offenses against the state, causing public disturbances, and participating in organized crimes. Registrar Tirtharaj Bhattarai stated that the people apprehended on Tuesday were granted a detention extension of seven days.
At first, the court permitted up to five days of detention for people who were apprehended following violent demonstrations supporting the monarchy on Friday. Of these detainees, 11 individuals, such as Mishra and Rana, are undergoing investigation under state offense statutes, whereas the rest are charged with offenses like causing public disturbances and engaging in organized crime activities.
Also detained in the same incident were Manindra Rajbhandari, an assistant to Durga Prasai from Lamjung, and Gopal Malla from Rupandehi, along with several others.
The police stated that 112 individuals were initially detained following the demonstrations, out of which 81, including Swagat Nepal, who was a spokesperson for Friday’s protest event, were freed after initial interrogation.
At Tinkune, a pro-monarchy demonstration escalated into violence, leading to fatalities of two individuals and injuries to 129 others, comprising 55 policemen, 22 paramilitary troops, and 52 demonstrators. As of now, six policemen, one paramilitary officer, and 17 protestors are still receiving treatment in hospitals.
