Police on Sunday arrested Anil Basnet, the chairman of Shiv Sena Nepal, in connection with the violent pro-monarchy protest held at Tinkune, Kathmandu on March 28.

Superintendent of Police Apilraj Bohara, spokesperson for Kathmandu District Police, confirmed that Basnet was apprehended on Saturday from the Sukedhara area in Kathmandu.

A warrant had been issued for his arrest during the investigation of the incident, but he had been on the run.

“He was absconding despite a warrant issued in relation to the Tinkune incident. We arrested him from Sukedhara today," said SP Bohara. Police are preparing to present Basnet before the court for an extension of remand.

The March 28 demonstration was organised by the Joint People’s Movement under the leadership of 87-year-old Nabaraj Subedi with an agenda to revive monarchy, which was abolished in 2008 in the country.

Subedi designated controversial businessman Durga Prasai as field commander of the protest that turned violent. The protest saw deadly clashes, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a journalist.

The violence also caused extensive property damage, with dozens of vehicles set ablaze, public and private buildings being vandalised and other properties destroyed.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s senior vice-chair Rabindra Mishra and protest commander Prasai, among others, have been taken in police custody on the charges of inciting the protest.