Electronic Transactions Act: Potential 5-year sentence for Prasain

Kathmandu, September 25 — The police cyber bureau is investigating medical professional Durga Prasai. On September 22, Prasain was arrested from his home in Thimi, Bhaktapur. The police have also obtained court approval to arrest Jiban Pandey from Baglung and Prakashchandra Dahal from Dhading, who are currently at large.

Jiban Pandey is the operator of the YouTube channel "Desh Duniya Khabar." It is alleged that Prakashchandra Dahal, working on the channel, conducted an interview with Prasain that attracted attention under cyber law.

A woman affiliated with the Rashtriya Swotantra Party (RSP) has filed a complaint against Prasain for "character assassination." Another man has also lodged a complaint against him, according to SP Bhogendrapurush Dhakal of the cyber bureau. He stated, "Two complaints have been registered, and we are investigating."

Prasain claimed that he saved Pahalman Thapa from a death sentence and brought him back to Nepal from Dubai. This claim was challenged by the woman from the RSP, who asserted that Prasai's rescue was false. In response, Prasain gave an interview to "Desh Duniya Khabar," stating, "Do we not know about prostitution in Japan, matching boys with girls, and other illicit activities? Durga Prasain will not be shaken by a prostitute or a madman."

The woman lodged a complaint with the bureau alleging that Prasain's statement had her character assasinated. Another man has also registered a complaint against Prasai for similar allegations. The male complainant has provided the police with evidence of Prasain's remarks made on various YouTube channels.

The Kathmandu District Court has granted the police permission to hold Prasain in custody for three days for investigation concerning electronic crimes. His statement was taken at the District Government Attorney's Office on Tuesday. He is currently being held at the Singh Durbar police station. Prasain's lawyer, Surendra Bhandari, has stated that he should not be held in custody due to his health issues, including cancer, heart problems, and hypertension. Bhandari said, "The police forcibly held him at Singh Durbar after the hospital did not discharge him." Prasai has announced that he will go on a hunger strike while in custody.

Under the Electronic Transactions Act, if charges are confirmed, the punishment can be up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 rupees.