The Patan High Court on Monday ordered the release of controversial businessman Durga Prasai on bail in connection with a banking offence and a separate case related to violent protests in Kathmandu in March.

A division bench of judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Munendra Prasad Awasthi issued an order that Prasai be released upon posting the bail amount of Rs2.5 million or furnishing a bank guarantee.

According to the court’s information officer Parbati Hitan, the high court also ordered Prasai’s release on a separate bail of Rs300,000 in connection with the criminal offence.

Prasai appealed against the Kathmandu District Court’s decision to send him to judicial custody on the criminal offence related to the March 28 violent protest.

Prasai had been facing charges of criminal mischief and organised crime following the Tinkune unrest of March 28, which involved arson and vandalism during a pro-monarchy demonstration. Two people including a journalist lost their lives during the Tinkune protest, which was organised by different pro-monarchy groups demanding restoration of Hindu monarchy in the country.

The controversial businessman, who had fled to India after the violence, was later apprehended and brought back to Nepal.