Kamal Thapa and Dipak Singh Released After Protest Arrest
Protest and Arrest in Kathmandu
Kathmandu — Police arrested former Home Minister and Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPP-N) Chairperson Kamal Thapa during a pro-monarchy protest in Kathmandu on Sunday. Along with him, six others were detained, including Member of Parliament Dipak Singh.
The group had entered a restricted zone during the rally at Narayan Chaur, Naxal. Police claimed they made provocative speeches that could trigger unrest. Officers were seen dragging Thapa into a police van.
The video spread quickly and sparked reactions online. Many remembered Thapa’s past as Home Minister during the 2006 people’s movement, when police crackdowns killed dozens under his command.
Dipak Singh Also Taken into Custody
Dipak Singh went to the police premises to meet Thapa but got arrested there. Officers accused him of misbehaving with them.
Police Release Seven Protesters
Kathmandu Police spokesperson SP Apilraj Bohora said the police released all seven individuals on personal guarantees. These included Kamal Thapa, Dipak Singh, Shila Rana, Rakesh Basnet, Ramchandra Lamichhane, Binod Kapali, and Saroj Timilsina.
One man, Dr. Rajiv Jha, remained in custody. Police said he had consumed alcohol and verbally abused officers. A medical test confirmed he had been drinking.
Thapa’s Political Journey
Kamal Thapa has played many roles in Nepal’s political landscape. He served as a powerful minister during the monarchy. After losing a party election in 2021, he blamed the former king’s interference and left Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). Soon after, he revived RPP-N and shifted focus to governance and prosperity. But later, he returned to his pro-monarchy agenda.
Recently, he met former King Gyanendra Shah after nearly three years. Thapa now strongly supports the return of the monarchy and wants Nepal declared a Hindu state again.
The arrests happened a day before a planned citywide shutdown (bandha) by pro-monarchy groups. Public transport operators have also announced a nationwide strike. Tensions in Kathmandu are expected to rise in the coming days.
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