Senior Advocate Dr. Bhimarjun Acharya, along with five other legal professionals, has demanded that Durga Prasai, the commander of the Tinkune violent demonstration, be released on bail to ensure a fair trial on the case.
Prasai, accused of involvement in the violent protest in Tinkuné on March 28, faces multiple charges, including sedition, attempted murder, criminal mischief, and organized crime.
During the hearing at the District Court, Prasai’s defense team—comprising advocates Acharya, Balkrishna Neupane, Surendra Bhandari, Tanka Dulal, and others—argued that their client had no direct involvement in the violent activities. The prosecution, however, has pressed for strict punishment, alleging Prasai’s role in inciting unrest.
The case, which involves 39 defendants, has seen prolonged legal formalities, including weeks of procedural delays. After the completion of preliminary hearings, the debate on Prasai’s pretrial detention began last Wednesday before Judge Dhruvaraj Karki. While the prosecution concluded its arguments over three days, Prasai’s legal team began its defense on Sunday.
Once both sides conclude their arguments, the court will decide whether Prasai remains in custody or is released on bail.
The Tinkuné incident, which followed a royalist protest, escalated into arson attacks, resulting in the death of journalist Suresh Rajak. Additionally, police firing claimed the life Sabin Maharjan, a resident of Kirtipur.
In a separate case, 11 individuals accused of looting during the unrest have been released on bail, while four minors face charges in Bhaktapur’s Juvenile Court.
.
