Durga Prasai Remanded for Three Days in Anti-State Case

Medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai has been remanded in custody for three days by the Parsa District Court as police investigate him under Nepal’s Electronic Transactions Act and charges related to offences against the state.

Prasai was taken into custody late Monday night from Siddhartha Diyalo Hotel in Birgunj after police issued an emergency arrest warrant. Authorities say the investigation is linked to a series of public remarks he made through social media platforms and media interviews in recent weeks.

Police officials in Parsa accuse Prasai of spreading expressions that could disturb public morality, social harmony and communal relations. According to police spokesperson Hari Bahadur Basnet, some of the statements under investigation are alleged to have promoted hostility, hatred and disrespect toward the government and different communities.

The arrest comes at a time when authorities are also continuing a large-scale search operation for prisoners who escaped from Jaleshwar Prison in Mahottari during the Gen-Z protest movement in Bhadra.

Hundreds of escaped prisoners still missing

Officials say 250 inmates remain absconding after a mass jailbreak that took place on Bhadra 24, 2082 BS, amid nationwide unrest linked to the Gen-Z demonstrations.

A total of 576 inmates had escaped after breaking out of the prison facility in Jaleshwar Municipality-2. So far, 326 prisoners have returned, including 316 Nepali nationals and 10 Indian citizens. Prison administrator Ashok Kumar Kshetri said some inmates are still returning voluntarily following repeated appeals from authorities.

Authorities have warned that inmates who fail to return could face additional legal action under Nepal’s Prison Act 2079 and other existing laws. Officials also cautioned that anyone found sheltering or assisting escaped prisoners may also face prosecution.

Security agencies intensify search operation

Among those who fled, 13 inmates were intercepted by Indian police while attempting to cross into India and were later returned to Nepalese authorities. The remaining prisoners who have returned did so voluntarily, prison officials said.

Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav said security personnel from all three levels of law enforcement have been mobilized across Mahottari to track down the remaining fugitives.