Kathmandu, Nepal: A medical professional, Durga Prasai, has been arrested by the Cyber Bureau of the Nepal Police on charges of cybercrime. The arrest was made based on a complaint filed by Tika (Jwala) Sangraula, a central member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Prasai was apprehended from his residence in Bhaktapur on Sunday. The Kathmandu District Court had previously issued arrest warrants for Prasai, Jiban Pandey, and Prakash Chandra Dahal last Wednesday.
The Cyber Bureau detained Prasai after his arrest and brought him before the Kathmandu District Court for investigation. District Judge Balkrishna Wagle has ordered Prasai to be arrested for three days for further investigation.
Prasai is accused of making objectionable remarks against Sangraula on social media, referring to her as a “fake news” spreader. Despite the court issuing an arrest warrant, Sangraula publicly criticized the delay in Prasai’s arrest on social media. She also claimed that she had received death threats from Prasai’s supporters.
Under Section 47 of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063, individuals who publish or exhibit content that violates public morals, and decency, or spreads hatred or malice towards anyone can face a fine of up to one lakh rupees or imprisonment for up to five years.
Cyber Bureau chief DIG Navindra Aryal stated that Prasai’s arrest was based on a cybercrime complaint and that the investigation is ongoing.
