Police on Friday arrested scores of supporters of controversial businessman Durga Prasai from Tinkune for staging a protest at a public place without taking permission from the administration. A total of 74 people have been arrested so far.

The law enforcement agency said the protesters have been kept at Bhadrakali.

Kathmandu District Administration Office on Friday issued a statement saying that it has not given any permission to the group to stage a protest at Tinkune.

Meanwhile, Prasai’s supporters staged a demonstration in Purano Thimi, Bhaktapur.

Police personnel and riot control teams have been deployed outside Prasai’s private residence in Thimi, Bhaktapur. Businessman Prasai, who is also the coordinator of the “Rastra, Rastriyata, Dharma-Sanskriti and Nagarik Bachau Andolan” (citizen’s movement for the protection of nation, nationalism, religion and culture).

Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur, Roshni Kumari Shrestha, said that Prasai tried to stage protests without taking permission from the administration.

“Prasai’s activities yesterday were problematic. They have announced programmes to be held in public places, without permission, today as well, which is not allowed,” Shrestha said. “The protesters have been held for their own safety, and no permission will be given to organise programmes.”

Kathmandu District Administrative Office has accused Prasai of giving provocative statements during a press meet on Thursday, following the protests in Balkhu, inciting violent, and problematic activities.

Prasai had announced that a demonstration would be held in Tinkune on Friday.

The UML and Prasai held separate Kathmandu-centric demonstrations on Thursday. The former demonstrated at Koteshwar Tinkune while Prasai supporters took to Balkhu to stage their demonstrations.

Earlier this week, the Kathmandu district administration had declared the Maitighar to Baneshwar road section as a prohibited area for protests for a month as both the sides planned their show of strength at the same areas. They were asked not to stage demonstrations in inner city areas.

Lalitpur district administration followed suit and declared certain areas of the district prohibited for protests for three months.