Kathmandu, –Two senior leaders of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Vice Chair Ravindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana, have gone out of contact following their release on bail in connection with a violent royalist protest that took place in Tinkune on March 28 (Chaitra 15).
According to the Kathmandu District Police Range, the leaders were freed on the condition that they would appear for court proceedings. However, they have failed to comply, prompting authorities to fine their respective guarantors — two lawyers and one personal aide — for not presenting them as required.
Basant Blon and Shyam Bahadur Shahi, who acted as legal guarantors for Mishra, and Umesh Bista, the personal secretary of Rana, have each been fined NPR 50,000 by investigating authorities. The decision was made under Clause 15 (4) of Nepal’s Criminal Procedure Code, which allows investigators to impose fines on guarantors if released individuals fail to appear before the court on the scheduled date.
Speaking to local media, Superintendent of Police (SP) Apil Raj Bohora confirmed the fines and said, “When individuals released on bail do not appear in court, the law allows us to penalize those who took responsibility for them. Accordingly, the fines were issued.”
Background: Violent Royalist Protest in Tinkune
On March 28, supporters of a royalist movement staged a mass protest in Tinkune under the banner of the “Nation, Nationality, Religion, and Culture Protection Campaign,” jointly led by controversial figure Durga Prasai and 86-year-old former military officer Nawaraj Subedi. The protest soon turned violent, resulting in property destruction, arson, and the tragic deaths of Sabin Maharjan of Kirtipur and journalist Suresh Rajak.
Police arrested several prominent figures following the incident, including Mishra and Rana, on charges including sedition, organized crime, and incitement of public unrest. A total of 65 individuals, including four minors, have been charged. Of these, 50 are currently undergoing legal proceedings at the Kathmandu District Court.
Court-Ordered Release but No Show
Following Mishra’s arrest, his wife filed a habeas corpus petition at the Supreme Court. The court, concluding that the investigation was complete, ordered his release on May 15 under conditional bail. Mishra was subsequently handed over to his lawyers on May 26.
Rana, on the other hand, was released earlier, on April 19, citing medical reasons based on a recommendation from the Office of the Government Attorney. However, both men have failed to appear before the court for their hearings, prompting law enforcement to hold their guarantors accountable.
Legal Grounds for Penalty
Nepal’s Criminal Procedure Code allows investigating officers to release detainees into the custody of a responsible individual under certain conditions. If those released do not comply with court proceedings, their guarantors can face fines up to NPR 50,000. Authorities say this provision is essential for ensuring accountability during legal investigations.
The Kathmandu District Court has begun pre-trial detention hearings on the broader case linked to the Tinkune incident, which continues to attract national attention due to its political implications and the involvement of high-profile figures.
