The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the March 28 pro-monarchy protests, urging legal action against those directly and indirectly involved in the violent activities.

The committee condemned the violence during the protest, expressed regret, and ordered appropriate legal action against the perpetrators. It further instructed the government to prohibit future demonstrations, gatherings, or sit-ins at Tinkune and nearby areas.

The committee’s directive calls for adopting measures to prevent such violent incidents in the future.

The committee also called on the government to allocate necessary resources to equip the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force effectively.

Earlier, the committee questioned Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Nepal Police Inspector General Deepak Thapa over the incident. Minister Lekhak said that the violent protesters aimed to disrupt law and order and undermine the constitution and democratic system.

He condemned the acts, including looting, vandalism, arson, and attempts to run over security personnel, and pledged strict action against those involved in the anti-constitutional activities.

Minister Lekhak said that 148 individuals had been detained, with 66 under investigation.

Nepal Police chief Thapa denied allegations of tear gas and gunshots being fired from a house’s roof during the protest. He said that tear gas is typically fired upwards from the ground, not from above.

Thapa assured that investigations are ongoing, with authorities examining evidence and criminal involvement. Police are also searching for Durga Prasai, a controversial businessman believed to have led the protest, he said.

The protests organised by the pro-monarchy group turned violent leading to deaths of two youths. The protesters even resorted to vandalism, arson and looted shops.