Kathmandu police have launched an investigation against gang leader Milan Gurung, also known as Chakre Milan, and 18 others for allegedly disrupting public order, officials said on Friday.

District Police Range, Kathmandu, said it apprehended 47 individuals from the Hotel Shambala area of Maharajgunj on Thursday night following a complaint. Among them, 19 people, including Gurung, are now under investigation for offences against public order.

“We arrested 104 individuals across Kathmandu during our routine operation. Of them, 47 were from Milan Gurung’s group,” said Senior Superintendent of Police Bishwo Adhikari. He said police screened those detained and sought remand extension for individuals requiring further inquiry.

The Kathmandu District Court granted police a seven-day remand. Those under investigation include Ganesh Bahadur Bogati, Nirajan Paudel, Roshan Subedi, Rajesh Khadka, Sandeep KC, Rahul Khadka, Yamu Paudel, Saurabh Sunar, Dilliram Kandel, Hrithik Lama, Chandradev Karki, Jit Bahadur Lama, Prakash Gole, Amir Ale Magar, Uttam Maharjan, Pranish Kattel, Raju Pariyar, and Safal Shahi.

According to police, the group is accused of gathering on public roads, cutting cakes and causing disturbances in the Maharajgunj area, posing threats to public peace and security.

“There may be places to celebrate birthdays, but no one is allowed to create public fear,” said Adhikari. “We are proceeding with action under charges of disturbing public order.”

Videos circulating on social media show Gurung and his group cutting a birthday cake near a street, distributing money at Pashupatinath temple, and engaging in traffic-obstructing convoys. One video shows three vehicles from the group driving in procession along a Bhaktapur road, reportedly blocking other vehicles.

Police said further legal action would be taken upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Chakre Milan is a well-known gang leader in Kathmandu with a history of violent crimes and strong political ties. Despite multiple arrests, he maintains influence through large followings and public displays of power.

In 2018, he was arrested on money-laundering charges. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation filed the case in the Special Court on charges of amassing millions of rupees through illegal means.

The court later acquitted him of the charges.