KATHMANDU: Superintendent of Police Bhuvaneshwar Tiwari of the District Police Office, Dhanusha, has come under pressure following a news report by Khabarhub linking the son of Nepali Congress Joint General Secretary Mahendra Yadav to the looting of Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwor during the royalist protest on March 28.
SP Tiwari reportedly showed particular interest in the report after the Kathmandu desk of Khabarhub published the story.
According to sources, cadres of the Nepali Congress-affiliated Tarun Dal visited the Dhanusha police office and exerted pressure on him, demanding an explanation for the publication of the news.
In response, SP Tiwari is said to have summoned Sumit Mishra, a Madhesh Province-based journalist affiliated with Khabarhub, to the District Police Office, claiming that a complaint had been filed against him. Khabarhub reports that Mishra was pressured over his reporting of the case.
The incident has gained further political traction after Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden told Parliament on Friday that a senior Nepali Congress leader’s son was involved in the Bhatbhateni looting.
Lingden claimed the suspect was released under the influence of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak despite being apprehended by the Kathmandu Police based on TikTok videos and CCTV footage.
According to both police and political sources quoted by Khabarhub, the case was not pursued further due to alleged political interference.
The incident has raised concerns over press freedom and political influence on law enforcement, with calls mounting for a transparent investigation and protection of journalists’ rights.
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