- The Bhaktapur District Court ordered the release of medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, rejecting a police request for a seven-day remand.
- Prasai faces ongoing investigations regarding alleged offenses against the state, public peace, and Nepal's Electronic Transactions Act.
- While the court allowed his release, authorities will continue collecting evidence and recording statements without keeping him in custody.
- Prasai's wife filed a habeas corpus petition at the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of his initial arrest and detention.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The Bhaktapur District Court on Monday ordered that medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai be investigated without being held in police custody, rejecting a police request to remand him for seven days. The order resulted in his immediate release from detention, although the criminal investigation against him will continue.
Prasai was arrested by police on Sunday night in connection with allegations of offences against the State, offences against public peace, and violations of Nepal's Electronic Transactions Act. Investigators had sought court approval to keep him in custody for seven days, arguing that custodial detention was necessary to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
However, the district court ruled that there were insufficient grounds at this stage to justify keeping Prasai in custody. Instead, it directed investigators to continue the inquiry while allowing him to remain at liberty.
Bhaktapur District Police Chief Superintendent of Police Surya Khadka said the investigation would proceed despite the court's refusal to grant custodial remand. He said police would continue collecting evidence, recording witness statements, and carrying out other investigative procedures in accordance with the law.
According to the police, Prasai is being investigated on suspicion of engaging in activities that could adversely affect Nepal's sovereignty or territorial integrity, disturbing public peace, and violating provisions of the Electronic Transactions Act. Authorities, however, have not filed formal charges, and the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Prasai's wife, Uma Prasai, filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus at the Supreme Court on Monday, arguing that his arrest and detention were unlawful and seeking legal relief.
Legal observers note that although the district court has declined to authorize Prasai's continued detention, the Supreme Court's consideration of the habeas corpus petition could provide further judicial clarification on whether the arrest and the initial period of detention complied with Nepal's legal and constitutional provisions.
The investigation remains ongoing, and any determination of criminal liability will depend on the outcome of the judicial process.
