KATHMANDU: Durga Prasai, who was jailed following the violent royalist demonstration in Kathmandu’s Tinkune on March 28, has publicly addressed the media for the first time since his release.
The demonstration had resulted in the deaths of journalist Suresh Rajak and transport worker Sabin Maharjan.
Prasai, who was released from Dilli Bazaar Prison on August 4 after remaining silent for months, held a press conference at his residence in Bhaktapur on Monday, sharply criticizing various royalist parties and groups.
He specifically accused Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden of betraying participants during the March 28 protest.
“The movement on March 28 was sabotaged because of Lingden’s actions,” Prasai said, alleging that Lingden misled protesters for political gain.
Prasai was arrested on April 8 and remanded to Dilli Bazaar Prison on June 13 by order of the Kathmandu District Court. After nearly two months in detention and two months in prison, he spoke out strongly against Lingden and other royalist leaders.
He also leveled allegations of corruption and criminal activity against Lingden, claiming, “He smuggled cars from India, dismantled them in Birtamod, and sold the parts. I am not someone who engages in such acts.”
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