KATHMANDU: A former president of the Free Student Union at Nepal Law Campus has been arrested for alleged involvement in vandalism and arson at the Supreme Court on September 9 during the Gen-Z protests.
According to police, Bishnu Dhungel, who is also associated with the Maoist-affiliated All Nepal National Free Students’ Union (Revolutionary), was taken into custody on Wednesday based on statements from two suspects previously arrested in the same case.
Dhungel, who won the 2022 Free Student Union election at Law Campus, was arrested from Chitwan in a joint operation by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office and Kathmandu District Police Range.
Police say photographic and video evidence confirms Dhungel’s presence at the front of the crowd during the attack on the Supreme Court building. Footage circulating on social media appears to show him provoking protesters to target the court and its judges.
Earlier arrestees, Jyoti Thapa Ghatane of Jhapa and Sushil Shrestha, have been kept in custody under public disorder charges. Their statements reportedly implicated Dhungel in the incident.
The investigation was launched after the Supreme Court filed a complaint with Kathmandu police, seeking action against those involved in the arson. Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa confirmed Dhungel’s arrest.
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