Metropolitan Police Range Kathmandu (MPRK) has arrested former minister and leader of the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) Khadka Bahadur Bishwokarma, alias Prakanda, from Chalnakhel in the Capital on Tuesday on the charge of extortion.

Prakanda, who is also spokesperson for the party, has been on the wanted list of the security officials. He has also been accused of extorting various businessmen and causing violent activities during the local and provincial level elections.

The court has registered a case against Prakanda over Donation Act, 2030. The District Court of Kathmandu has ordered MPRK to keep Prakanda on five-day custody for further interrogation.

“Following the court order, Prakanda and his accomplices have been kept at the Metropolitan Police Range

in Teku for further interrogation,” said MPRK Spokesperson SSP Ram Dutta Joshi. Prakanda was arrested with two of his accomplices—Man Bahadur Shrestha and Harichandra Acharya. The MPRK has also started the investigation with them.

Meanwhile, the CPN has condemned the arrest of its leader Bishwokarna with no reason.

In a statement on Wednesday, party Chairman Chand has demanded an immediate release of Bishwokarma, among others.

Saying that the government has put a ban on political rights one after another, Chand called on democratic and nationalists to retaliate the government’s move.

The party had declared a series of protests, including a nation-wide protest along with a torch rally, from

August 10-14.

Briefly speaking to the media, Bishowkarma claimed that he had been detained and subjected to mental torture.

The government has intensified crackdown on CPN leaders and cadres, accusing them of disturbing peace

in the society and indulging in extortion.