KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Former King Gyanendra fined Rs 793,000
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has decided to impose a fine of Rs 793,000 on former King Gyanendra Shah.
The fine was levied for damages to public property during a program organized in Tinkune on March 28 (Chaitra 15).
The KMC issued eight separate notices under different charges, specifying varying amounts of fines.
Congress holds former King Gyanendra responsible for Tinkune violence
The ruling Nepali Congress has concluded that former King Gyanendra Shah must take full responsibility for the violence and destruction that took place in Tinkune on Friday.
A meeting of the party’s officials, held at President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha, reached this conclusion.
Congress has demanded strict legal action against those involved in the incident, stating that Shah must be held accountable.
RPP blames Govt. for Tinkune incident, holds it responsible for violence and vandalism
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has placed full responsibility for the violent incidents during Friday’s pro-monarchy protest at Tin Kune, Kathmandu, on the government.
In a central executive committee meeting held on Saturday, RPP concluded that government actions led to the escalation of violence, resulting in two fatalities.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden accused the government of deliberately provoking violence in an attempt to disrupt a peaceful protest.
Journalists protest at Maitighar over cameraman’s death in Tinkune violence
The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) staged a protest at Maitighar Mandala on Saturday, condemning the death of Avenues Television cameraman Suresh Rajak, who was killed in a fire set during the violent protest by royalist supporters in Tinkune, Kathmandu.
Rajak’s charred body was discovered inside a building that had been torched by protesters. Before setting the structure ablaze, royalists had pelted it with stones and shattered its windows, reportedly suspecting the presence of police officers inside.
FNJ leaders and journalists at the protest demanded swift action against those responsible for Rajak’s death and stronger protections for media personnel covering protests and conflict situations.
Kamal Thapa meets detained RPP leaders, assures support
Kamal Thapa, chair of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPP-Nepal), has visited Police Range in Bhadrakali to meet detained RPP leaders Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shumsher Rana, along with advocate Swagat Nepal.
During the meeting, Thapa urged them to take care of their health and assured them of support, saying, “We are here for you. Don’t worry.”
All three detainees expressed gratitude to Thapa for visiting them. He was accompanied by RPP General Secretary Rajaram Bartoula and other party leaders.
Tinkune Incident: Arrest toll reaches 111
Arrests of royalist activists involved in arson, looting, and vandalism during the royalist movement have been intensified.
Over a hundred royalists involved in the arson, loot, and vandalism in the areas surrounding Tinkune have already been taken into police custody. Six more arrests were made on Saturday, bringing the total to 111 people detained so far.
SP Apil Raj Bohara, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Police Range, confirmed the arrests, noting that 15 vehicles and 14 locations were set on fire and 10 sites were looted during the protest organized by the Joint People’s Movement Committee calling for the restoration of the monarchy.
Rabindra Mishra and others to face charges on Sunday
Senior Vice-chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Rabindra Mishra, General Secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana, and the spokesperson of the Joint People’s Movement Committee Swagat Nepal are set to have their detention extended on Sunday.
The Kathmandu District Police Range will decide the specific charges to be filed against them and will require their presence at either the court or the district administration office.
The three individuals were arrested on Friday evening for allegedly inciting violence during a protest organized by the People’s Movement Committee under the leadership of Nabaraj Subedi.
Dhawal Shamsher’s arrest notice reaches Parliament Secretariat
A letter confirming the arrest of Dhawal Shamsher Rana, the General Secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and a member of Parliament, has reached the Parliament Secretariat from the Kathmandu Police Range.
Rana was arrested on Friday from his residence following the destruction and vandalism that occurred during the pro-royalist demonstration in Tinkune.
Padma Prasad Pandey, general secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, confirmed the receipt of the arrest notice from the police.
NEPSE prepares to launch separate trading platform for SMEs
The Securities Issuance and Transaction Regulations for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) 2025 are nearing completion, with the government set to implement these guidelines soon.
The regulations, formulated under the guidance of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON), are now in the final stages of approval.
Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) is set to submit the finalized draft of the regulations to SEBON by mid-April.
Ghode Jatra celebrated at Tundikhel
President Ram Chandra Paudel attended the Ghode Jatra 2081 ceremony organized by the Nepali Army at Tundikhel on Saturday.
The event was also attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, as well as Deputy Prime Ministers, foreign diplomats, and other high-ranking officials.
During the ceremony, President Paudel observed various equestrian performances presented by the Nepali Army, including horse racing and jumping displays. He also presented awards to outstanding performers at the event.
Protecting a free press requires unity: Prachanda
The CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has condemned the recent vandalism and arson carried out by supporters of the former king, stating that such acts are inexcusable.
Speaking at the 5th National Convention of Press Center Nepal today, he urged the government to take strict action against those responsible for damaging public and private property.
“This is the right time for republicans to act against autocratic and criminal-minded forces,” Dahal said. “If the government takes firm action, we will support it. However, if it compromises and gives them room to operate, it will not benefit the country.”
Gyanendra not fit to be constitutional monarch: Deuba
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has asserted that Nepal’s federal democratic republican system will remain intact despite any attempts by former King Gyanendra Shah to restore the monarchy.
Speaking at the 8th National Convention of the Nepali Writers’ Association in Lumbini on Saturday, Deuba said Nepal is firmly in favor of the republic and that the former king lacked both the intention and the ability to become a constitutional monarch.
Referring to the violent royalist protests in Tinkune on Friday, Deuba strongly criticized the former king.
Home Minister vows action against rioters
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday inspected the areas affected by vandalism, arson, and looting during the royalist protests in Tinkune and Koteshwor on Friday.
He was accompanied by Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi and senior police officials from the Home Ministry.
During the inspection, Lekhak visited the private house in Tinkune that was set on fire, the offices of Kantipur Television and Annapurna Post Daily, the Herb Production and Processing Company Limited in Jadibuti, the party offices of the Unified Socialist and Maoist Center and the Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwor.
Govt moves to revoke Gyanendra Shah’s passport
The government has initiated the process of revoking the passport of former King Gyanendra Shah, citing his alleged role in inciting violent protests by royalists in Tinkune, Kathmandu, on Friday.
Officials claim the move aims to prevent Shah from leaving the country while an investigation into the protests, which resulted in two deaths, is underway.
The government is reportedly considering legal action against those responsible for the violence.
Durga Prasai hid in shutter after Tinkune protest spiraled out of control, police still on the look out
Durga Prasai, who incited chaos in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu on Friday in the name of a supporter of the former king, was found hiding in a shutter after the protest spiraled out of control.
A viral video circulating on social media shows Prasai urging protesters to resort to violence from his hiding spot before fleeing the scene in another vehicle.
The unrest erupted after Prasai and his supporters broke into a restricted area, leading to clashes, arson, and destruction. Two people lost their lives, and several vehicles and buildings were set on fire.
Seven arrested in Bhatbhateni looting, Police continue search
Seven individuals involved in the looting of Bhatbhateni Super Store in Koteshwar during Friday’s pro-monarchy protest have been arrested, with police continuing their search for others.
According to Kathmandu District Police spokesperson SP Apil Raj Bohora, six suspects were apprehended on Saturday in connection with the incident.
So far, a total of 111 individuals have been arrested for their involvement in arson, looting, and vandalism centered around the Tinkune protest. Among them, seven have been specifically linked to the Bhatbhateni looting.
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