Durga Prasai, the leader of a royalist campaign group in Nepal, reportedly sent a shocking message encouraging his supporters to set fires and attack media offices. The message was discovered during a digital investigation of phones taken from people arrested after a violent protest in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area on Chaitra 15.
The protest, although officially approved, turned violent. Rioters set fire to homes, party offices, vehicles, and even a herbal medicine factory. Stone-throwing also targeted the offices of major media outlets like Kantipur and Annapurna Post.
Investigators say Prasai’s message included alarming statements such as: “It’s time to set fire everywhere. Burn the media too.” This message was submitted as key evidence to the court.
On Asar 1, the Kathmandu District Court ordered that Prasai and six others be sent to jail for trial. The judge cited serious charges including attempted murder and organized crime. Prasai is now in Dillibazar Jail.
Prasai, a 54-year-old from Birtamod, Jhapa, is known for leading the so-called “Save Nation and Religion” campaign. Authorities had allowed his group to hold the rally, but things spiraled out of control. He’s accused of provoking the crowd, breaking into restricted areas, and even attempting to drive a vehicle into police officers.
Journalist Suresh Rajak lost his life during the violence. Prasai faces five criminal charges including murder attempt, disturbing public order, and crimes against the state.
After going into hiding, Prasai was arrested in Assam, India, and brought back to Nepal on Chaitra 29. Altogether, 61 people were charged in this case. Eleven were released on bail earlier. Prasai and six others were sent to jail, while 32 others were released after paying bail.
