It's Official Now: Durga Prasain, Bodyguard Khadka Arrested, Being Brought to Kathmandu

Hours after refuting media reports about the arrest of Durga Prasain, Nepal Police has issued a press release announcing the arrest of Prasain along with his bodyguard, Dipak Khadka, from Bhadrapur, Jhapa. The law enforcement agency announced that preps are afoot to bring Prasain to Kathmandu for a further investigation into his role in the riots that took place during the March 28 protest of pro-royalist forces. Prasain is to be tried on the charge of committing offenses against the state and organized crime. 

Two people—journalist Suresh Rajak (33) and transport worker Sabin Maharjan (29) of Gamchha, Kirtipur—lost their lives and scores sustained injuries during the protest marked by incidents of arson, looting, vandalism and police action.  

Police have arrested around 70 people in connection with the riots, including Rastriya Prajatantra Party leaders Dhawal Shumsher Rana and Rabindra Mishra.  

Unconfirmed reports stated earlier that Assam police had arrested Prasain, the leader of the March 28 protest, and efforts were on to bring him to Nepal for legal proceedings in connection with the March 28 riots. 

In the midst of the protest in Tinkune, Prasain had fled the scene hurtling his vehicle and putting the lives of protesters and police personnel in line. Later on, he claimed that he took the desperate move to save his life, pointing at live teargas shells underneath his vehicle and a "shoot-at-sight order" against him from the top political leadership.    

There are speculations that police kept the arrest of Prasain under wraps to avert unwanted public attention.