Confidant of Durga Prasai Arrested for Threatening Nepali Businessmen

A man allegedly linked to a campaign led by controversial medical professional Durga Prasai has been arrested for threatening Nepali businessmen over the phone from India.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police apprehended Harichandra Phuyal, alias Naveen Pradhan, at the Nepal-India border and brought him to Kathmandu for investigation. According to CIB spokesperson SP Hobindra Bogati, Phuyal was arrested near a Pani Tyanki on the border and is currently under police custody.

Phuyal is accused of intimidating businessmen by claiming to be associated with the notorious Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The calls reportedly demanded support for Prasai’s “nation, nationality, religion, culture, and citizen protection campaign,” with threats to “finish” those who refused to comply.

Six bankers and other businessmen have lodged complaints with the CIB, stating they received such threatening calls.

Preliminary investigations by the CIB revealed that 141 calls were made from Indian numbers. The callers allegedly possessed detailed personal information about their targets and used it to issue threats.

The police have confirmed that Prasai, who is currently in custody for investihation, has connections with Phuyal. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of their involvement in the intimidation campaign.

Authorities assured the public that they are working diligently to address this cross-border criminal activity and protect the business community from further threats.