Political Analyst Bharat Dahal Arrested in Morang Following Cyber Bureau Complaint

Dragon Media Correspondent

Political analyst and Trimul Nepal Chairman Bharat Dahal was arrested on Sunday morning in Sundarharaicha, Morang, following a complaint filed with the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau. According to Morang police, the arrest was carried out after the Kathmandu District Court issued an arrest warrant in connection with the complaint.

Morang Police Chief Superintendent of Police Kabit Katuwal said Dahal was taken into custody by a team from the Belbari Area Police Office at a tea shop in Salakpur, Sundarharaicha Municipality-8. Police clarified that no complaint had been registered against him in Morang and that the arrest was made at the request of the Cyber Bureau. He was subsequently sent to Kathmandu for further investigation.

According to a statement issued by Trimul Nepal, Dahal had traveled to eastern Nepal on September 18 to participate in political discussions with friends and colleagues. He had completed his scheduled discussions on September 19 and was preparing to return to Kathmandu on September 20 when police arrested him at a tea shop operated by Gauri Dhakal in Salakpur.

Police said Dahal was arrested in connection with an investigation into an alleged offense under Nepal’s Electronic Transactions Act. However, the complete details of the complaint and the specific allegations under investigation had not been publicly disclosed at the time of reporting. Dahal has been known for his critical commentary on government policies, political developments and Nepal’s governance system.

Trimul Nepal strongly objected to the arrest of its chairman. In a public statement, the party alleged that taking a political commentator into custody for expressing criticism of the government and identifying shortcomings in the governance system constituted interference with political expression and freedom of speech.

The party also expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s conduct, accusing the authorities of using state institutions against individuals expressing dissenting political views. It called for opposition to the arrest and appealed for unity among citizens committed to the country’s interests.

Dahal’s arrest has raised questions concerning political expression, the application of cybercrime legislation and the constitutional rights of citizens. Nevertheless, a complete assessment of the case will depend on clarification of the legal grounds for his arrest and the allegations under investigation. Dahal remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty through due process of law.