Police on Monday night arrested controversial medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai.

Deputy Inspector General Om Adhikari, the acting chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, said Prasai was taken into custody from his residence in Bhaktapur and is now held at the Kathmandu District Police Range, Bhadrakali.

Prasai, who calls himself the coordinator of a campaign to defend the nation, nationalism, religion and culture, had publicly warned of nationwide protests from November 23. Police moved in as he was preparing for the planned agitation.

Security agencies had been closely monitoring him after a series of provocative speeches in which he claimed he could bring the country to a standstill.

A few days ago, his group submitted a 27-point demand to the Home Ministry, with Madhav Khatri leading the delegation. Prasai had also declared that the so-called nationwide movement would be launched in partnership with the Nepali Congress (BP), a small splinter group.

He has recently issued provocative remarks targeting Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah and Gen Z activist Sudan Gurung.

In March, Prasai organised a pro-monarchy rally in Kathmandu that turned violent, resulting in two deaths and vandalism of private and government property. The incident has made authorities cautious about his latest call for protests.

Prasai has previously faced two cybercrime cases and another case linked to the March violence. He is out on bail in all three.

The government had signalled possible legal action against individuals issuing inflammatory remarks. A security committee meeting at the Home Ministry on Sunday reviewed rising provocative statements and agreed to enforce strict legal measures against those inciting unrest or spreading fear. According to a source present, Prasai was mentioned by name during the meeting.