KATHMANDU: Calls are growing louder for the arrest of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) president Rabi Lamichhane, who was released from Nakkhu Jail earlier this week by protestors amid the nationwide unrest and destruction triggered by the Gen Z-led protests.
Lamichhane, who was serving time over a cooperative fraud case, left prison on Tuesday under controversial circumstances. RSP lawmakers Hari Dhakal and DP Aryal had visited the jail and allegedly pressured officials to release him, citing questionable paperwork. The document reportedly lacked even a registration number and carried a decision that, by law, could not have been issued by the Home Secretary.
With suspicions of undue political influence, TikTok campaigns by Gen Z activists have begun urging Lamichhane to return to jail voluntarily. Now, the movement has spilled onto the streets, with posters appearing across Kathmandu labeling him a “Most Wanted Criminal” and demanding his re-arrest.
The campaign, led by a youth group called Hami Nepal, accuses Lamichhane of escaping custody and pressuring prison authorities. Posters titled “Notice of Escaped Prisoner” have appeared in major intersections, showing his photo and urging law enforcement to act.
Lamichhane is said to be living in a private apartment since leaving prison, while on the streets momentum builds to brand him a fugitive.
The fallout has been significant. His forced exit from Nakkhu is linked to a wider prison crisis, with at least 15,000 inmates reportedly escaping nationwide amid the chaos. Some notorious figures have already been recaptured, including former minister Sanjay Takla, arrested in Mangalatar, Lalitpur.
Meanwhile, UML leader Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, who fled from Central Jail, has reportedly contacted prison authorities and promised to return voluntarily. Security forces say more than 1,300 escapees have already been tracked down and sent back, but efforts continue to round up the rest.
The Nepal Army and police have issued appeals for all escapees to surrender immediately, warning of strict action if they fail to comply.
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