Kathmandu: Controversial medical practitioner and coordinator of the “Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture and Citizen Protection Mahaabhiyan Nepal,” Durga Prasai, has been arrested from Birgunj.

Police took Prasai into custody from the Diolo Hotel in Adarshnagar, Birgunj, on Monday evening. According to police sources, the arrest was made following “orders from above.” However, authorities have not officially disclosed the exact charges or legal grounds for his detention.

Prasai had arrived in Birgunj via Simara Airport on Monday afternoon to participate in programs organized by his Mahaabhiyan campaign. Prior to the event, the District Administration Office Parsa had reportedly granted formal permission for the programs and public meetings.

The sudden arrest triggered anger among Prasai’s supporters, who questioned why he was detained despite receiving official approval for his activities. Protests broke out in various parts of Birgunj on Monday night, with demonstrators burning tires and chanting slogans against the government and police administration.

Earlier in the day, Prasai had attended several local programs in Birgunj and was scheduled to visit the well-known Gahwamai Temple on Tuesday morning before continuing with other planned events.

During one of his speeches in Birgunj, Prasai argued that permanent settlement arrangements should be made for families whose houses had been demolished in the city. In recent months, he has also been making sharp criticisms and controversial remarks targeting the government, ministers and lawmakers of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Police said Prasai is currently being held at the District Police Office in Parsa and that further legal procedures are underway.