English Translation:
Chandrabahadur Thapa, Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Pokhara-10, has been sent to jail for his involvement in arson and vandalism during the Gen-Z movement. A formal complaint accuses him of setting fire to and damaging the house of Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya during the protests.
The Kaski District Court has ordered judicial custody for Thapa and four others on the same day. The bench of Judge Himalal Belbase sent Thapa, Bina Malla (also known as Bimala Sapkota), and Buddhi (also known as Chinbahadur Khawas) to prison for trial on charges of criminal disturbance, robbery, and theft, according to Inspector Ganesh Pandey of Kaski Police.
A minor involved in the incident has also been sent to a juvenile correction center. Thapa’s brother, Haribahadur Thapa, known as Khali, who was arrested based on evidence of involvement, has been released on a bail of Rs 200,000. The complaint includes photos and videos showing them setting fire to government property and vandalizing Mayor Acharya’s house on the second day of the protest.
After the photos and videos circulated on social media, the RSP suspended Thapa even before his arrest. Along with him, Madi-6 Chair Bhojraj Paudel was also suspended. Kaski Police have been actively arresting those who used the protests as an opportunity to damage government and private property.
So far, 57 people have been arrested, with 14 sent to jail for trial, 29 still under police investigation, and 14 released on bail, according to Inspector Pandey. Government offices and individuals have also filed complaints with evidence against those involved.
According to official reports, the total estimated damage across Kaski has reached around Rs 5 billion. A total of 116 government offices sustained damage—26 federal, 33 provincial, and others at the local level—resulting in losses of Rs 2.18 billion, including damage to buildings and vehicles.
Additionally, 329 vehicles were damaged—119 four-wheelers and 210 two-wheelers. There are also records of arson and vandalism at 27 private properties, including hotels and homes of political leaders, causing losses worth Rs 2.73 billion, according to the Kaski Administration.
About the Author
