Authorities have uncovered links between Hari Chandra Phuyal, arrested for threatening Nepali entrepreneurs using the name of Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, and controversial medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested Phuyal, a resident of Mechinagar-13, Jhapa, on Thursday and brought him to Kathmandu. During investigations, evidence revealed repeated phone communications between Prasai and Phuyal.
According to a CIB official, over 100 calls were exchanged between Prasai and Phuyal during the period when the threats were reported. CIB spokesperson SP Hobindra Bogati confirmed the discovery of phone records linking the two and noted that further investigations are underway to determine the purpose behind these interactions.
Phuyal allegedly acted under Prasai’s direction, with CIB stating that threats to entrepreneurs in the name of the Bishnoi gang were orchestrated by Prasai. The suspect reportedly instructed victims to apologize to Prasai, threatening dire consequences if they failed to comply.
Phuyal, who is known as Navin Pradhan in India, also held an Indian Aadhaar card under that name. He admitted to using the alias to reside and conduct business in India, including operating a shop in Panitanki.
The investigation has also revealed that Prasai, who was previously arrested by the CIB on December 4 for cybercrime allegations, will face further inquiries into his role in directing the threats once the Cyber Bureau completes its case.
Meanwhile, Lawrence Bishnoi, whose name was used in the threats, is currently imprisoned in India’s Tihar Jail on extortion and murder charges. Bishnoi’s gang is notorious for high-profile threats, including those against Bollywood actor Salman Khan.
Phuyal also has a criminal record in Nepal, including cases of check bounce. While he was released on bail for one case, he remains a fugitive in another filed in Morang district.
CIB plans to send Phuyal to Morang for further legal proceedings after completing the ongoing investigations.
