On Saturday, police had raided more than 100 hotels in Narayangadh and Bharatpur, taking 49 persons in custody.

Hoteliers claim that police arrested even husband and wife on charge of being involved in flesh trade. Around 800 hotels, lodges and restaurants affiliated to the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, Chitwan, remained closed the entire day on Monday.

The association said the strike would continue until the local administration ensures that they would be allowed to do their businesses without hassles.

District President of the Association Dariram Dhakal said the protest was against police excesses. “Police action ruined our business,” he added.

According to Dhakal, even husbands and wives staying at hotels have been arrested despite them showing evidence that they were married couples.  “Police should take action against those committing crime, but they should also ensure that hoteliers who have invested millions of rupees are not bothered without reason,” said Dhakal.

Hoteliers from Sauraha have also complained that police personnel have been threatening to raid their hotels seeking graft. “They threaten us to raid our hotels,” said a hotelier. “It has been very difficult to run business due to police excesses.” While the number of new hotels has increased in the area, hoteliers complain that they are being forced to pay hefty amount to police personnel.

Police have, however, dismissed any such suggestions. “We are receiving growing complaints from people that hoteliers have been promoting flesh trade,” said Superintendent of Police Sahakul Bahadur Thapa. “The couples were taken into control during cross-checks.” Refuting claims that police had demanded graft, Thapa said if the detained couples would be released if they were found to be husband and wife.