Indra Hang Rai, a member of the All Nepal National Free Students Union, was arraigned on a rape charge at the Kathmandu District Court on Wednesday.

Police detained Rai on Tuesday evening from Gokarneshwor-6, Kathmandu, following a rape allegation made by an 18-year-old girl.

“The court has given permission to keep Rai in custody. We will present him before the court again on Thursday seeking a judicial remand,” said Deputy Superintendent Ramesh Bahadur Singh, chief of Boudha police station.

Rai had reportedly assaulted the girl after inviting her at his relative’s apartment.

“Preliminary investigation shows Rai had known the girl for some time through an acquaintance,” said Singh.
Rai is an assistant secretary at the Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus chapter of All Nepal National Free Students Union, the student wing of the ruling Nepal Communist Party.

“Following his arrest, Rai was taken to Bir Hospital after he complained of chest pain,” said Deputy Superintendent Hobindra Bogati, spokesperson for Metropolitan Police Range. “The girl was also taken to Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital at Thapathali for her health check-up. She is now with her parents.”

A leader of Rai’s parent party, the Nepal Communist Party, also is currently facing rape allegations.

Krishna Bahadur Mahara was arrested on October 6 after a woman who works at the Parliament Secretariat filed an attempt to rape charge against him on October 4.

Mahara was initially taken to Singhadurbar police station and after that, he was admitted to Norvic Hospital after he complained of chest pain. Though his judicial custody has been extended by the court, he continues to be admitted at the Norvic Hospital.