Police have arrested 35 individuals from across the country on charges of involvement in anti-election activities and misuse of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) to spread rumours.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Abhi Narayan Kafle, spokesperson for Nepal Police, said some people have been taken into custody and investigations are underway for activities deemed harmful to election security and public order.

The suspects were detained from various districts for allegedly engaging in activities aimed at disrupting the House of Representatives elections and undermining public peace and security.

Police said the arrests were made on charges including spreading misinformation and false propaganda through social media by misusing AI tools, as well as carrying out activities that could adversely affect election security.

To monitor and control the misuse of social media during the election period, Nepal Police has mobilised special mechanisms through the Cyber Bureau and police offices nationwide.

The monitoring system has been activated across the country in coordination with the Election Commission, the Central Election Cell and District Election Cells of Nepal Police.

Police have also deployed technological systems such as the Election Information Management System (EIMS) and the Geographic Information System (GIS) to support election management and maintain overall law and order.

DIG Kafle shared that an AI unit established at the Police Headquarters last week has also been brought into operation. The unit monitors and investigates crimes related to the misuse of AI and refers those found responsible to the concerned investigation units for further legal action.