KATHMANDU: Spectators attending Nepal Premier League (NPL) matches at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur have complained of illegal parking fees being collected in the area, sparking widespread criticism and prompting calls for action.
A group operating under the name Kirtipur Development Society has been charging Rs 100 for motorcycles and Rs 150 for four-wheelers, issuing receipts in its name. The parking area lies on land owned by Tribhuvan University (TU), and no official approval had been granted for fee collection, leading to public outrage.
Although the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) had earlier said that parking for spectators would be free, those charging fees claimed that the Kirtipur Municipality had permitted the collection. The municipality, however, has denied granting any such approval.
Kirtipur Mayor Krishna Man Dangol stated that some local youths had taken it upon themselves to collect money, saying it would be used to rebuild the ward office damaged during the Gen-Z protest. “But the municipality has not authorised anyone to charge parking fees,” he clarified.
TU officials have also expressed strong objection. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal said he had no information about the collections and noted that neither the municipality nor CAN had coordinated with TU. Rector Prof. Dr. Khadka KC publicly criticized the practice, writing on Facebook, “It is unacceptable to extort money illegally inside an autonomous educational institution like Tribhuvan University.”
TU Welfare Fund chief Dr. Dipendra Parajuli reiterated that no one can arbitrarily charge fees on TU property, while Free Student Union President Dipraj Joshi also termed the collection illegal.
Threats to spectators, involvement of local groups
Locals reported that youths involved in the fee collection had been intimidating spectators who raised objections. Journalists were reportedly verbally abused while covering the issue. Those collecting the money were also found issuing receipts stating that the amount would be used for repairing structures damaged during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9.
However, no transparent accounting exists for the money collected, and the so-called Kirtipur Development Society is not registered anywhere. The municipality confirmed that the organization is not listed in its records.
Locals allege that individuals involved include contractor groups linked to building reconstruction, as well as local figures such as Tri Chandra Maharjan and Rajkamal Maharjan. Others reportedly associated with the operation include Kavindra Maharjan—accused of occupying 10 ropani of TU land—former ward chair and Nepali Congress leader Himal Karki, former national basketball player Sasir Maharjan, and local resident Janak Bhandari.
Police begin investigation
According to Kathmandu Police spokesperson SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, multiple complaints have been lodged regarding the illegal parking practices. He said police have begun investigations and assured that action will be taken if the activities are proven illegal.
A prior six-point agreement between CAN, TU Sports Directorate, and the TU Free Student Union had already designated no-parking zones from the main gate to the Eye Hospital and committed to arranging free parking elsewhere.
CAN currently pays TU an annual rent of Rs 900,000 and has also agreed to share Rs 2.5 million from NPL-2 profits with the university.
Spectators and residents have demanded an immediate halt to the illegal collections and action against those involved. The incident has drawn Kirtipur Municipality, TU, and CAN into fresh controversy as the NPL continues.
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