Kathmandu: Medical practitioner and activist Durga Prasai was arrested late Monday night from his residence in Bhaktapur, according to DIG Om Adhikari, acting chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari. He has been taken into custody at the Kathmandu Police Complex in Bhadrakali.

Prasai, who identifies himself as the coordinator of the Nation, Nationality, Religion, and Culture Protection Campaign, had publicly announced plans to intensify an agitation beginning November 20. Police arrested him while he was preparing for the protest.

Authorities had placed Prasai under heightened surveillance after he issued provocative statements urging a nationwide shutdown. He had been visibly active during the recent Gen-Z demonstrations, and at one point met with the army chief seeking to influence the formation of a new government — a proposal firmly rejected by Gen-Z leaders. Following this, he had again begun mobilizing for fresh agitation.

Recently, Madhav Khatiwada visited the Home Ministry for discussions with Prasai’s group, carrying a 26-point list of demands.

Prasai is also the primary defendant in a cybercrime case and has been previously implicated twice in the Chaitra 15, 81 incident. He is currently out on bail in all three cases.

The government had earlier signaled potential legal action against individuals making anarchic or inflammatory statements. During a Security Committee meeting at the Home Ministry on Sunday — convened to assess security preparations for the upcoming election — security chiefs raised concerns about public remarks that could destabilize the situation. According to sources, Prasai’s name was specifically mentioned, and the meeting agreed to take strict action against those inciting violence or public fear.