Kathmandu: The District Public Prosecutor’s Office, Kathmandu has registered a case against 62 individuals, including senior leaders of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), on charges related to vandalism, arson, looting, and turning a peaceful protest violent during the royalist demonstration in Tinkune on Chaitra 15.

Among the charged are RPP Senior Vice President Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary and Member of Parliament Dhawal Shumsher Rana, both of whom face four serious charges: offenses against the state, criminal mischief, organized crime, and integrated offenses, according to the charge sheet filed by the Government Attorney’s Office, Kathmandu.

The protest, organized by the Joint People's Movement Mobilization Committee and led by Nawaraj Subedi, escalated into chaos, resulting in violence and loss of life. Controversial medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai was designated commander of the movement and is among eight individuals now charged with manslaughter, following the deaths of journalist Suresh Rajak, who died in a fire allegedly set by the protestors, and Sabin Maharjan, who was fatally shot by police.

The others charged with manslaughter and murder include Harihar Chaulagain, Saroj Gautam (alias Tara Rajabadi), Satish Neupane, Gokarna Shahi, Dandapani Regmi, Santosh Kumar Silwal, and Hemraj Tharu.

According to Spokesperson and District Attorney Gokul Bahadur Niraula, the case is being filed against 61 individuals in the Kathmandu District Court, while four minors involved will be charged separately in the juvenile court on Monday.

Of the 61 adults, 50 face charges of sedition, while 11 others are charged with criminal nuisance. A total of 108 people were initially recommended for prosecution by the District Police Range, Kathmandu, with charges narrowed after further investigation.

In a notable development, Durga Prasai, during his police statement, admitted to having met former King Gyanendra Shah at Nirmal Niwas just a day before the protest, raising further political implications surrounding the demonstration.

The authorities emphasized that this legal action underscores their commitment to upholding law and order and responding firmly to acts of organized violence and anti-state activities.