KATHMANDU: The scheduled program by activist and medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai was disrupted on Friday, causing distress to locals at Tinkune due to police intervention.

Reports unveil a discriminatory stance by the police towards individuals donning Nepal’s traditional attire, the Dhaka Topi and Daura Suruwal, in the vicinity.

Disturbing scenes of police forcefully apprehending civilians adorned in these cultural garments have surfaced, including instances where individuals, including elderly citizens en route for medical needs or personal errands, faced harassment.

Social media platforms have become a conduit for public outcry, denouncing the police’s forceful arrests, even targeting seniors who were merely commuting for essential purposes in the area.

SP Kumod Dhungel, the spokesperson for District Police Range Kathmandu, responded to the mounting criticism, affirming an investigation into the matter.

“The police were instructed to arrest only those in groups violating the restricted zone. We did not order the forcible apprehension of any individuals unless they were in a group breaching regulations. Complaints suggest otherwise, and we are conducting a thorough inquiry,” he said.

Assuring immediate attention to the issue, SP Dhungel pledged to address and issue directives to prevent such occurrences in the concerned areas, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and committing to swift action.