Nepal Police Investigate Debtors' Association Coordinator for Inciting Violence Against Bank Employees on Social Media

The Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police has initiated an investigation against Devi Prasad Sangraula, the central coordinator of the Debtors' Association, under the 'Naagarik Bachaau Mahaabhiyan' (Save the Citizen Grand Campaign), on charges of making provocative statements inciting violence against bank and financial institution employees through social media.

Sangraula, 44, a resident of Arjunadhara Municipality-11 in Jhapa, had made anarchic statements through various platforms, including YouTube channels, suggesting that bank employees should be beaten and that incidents akin to the 'Bhandarkhal episode' should be instigated.

Following the dissemination of statements that violated public decorum and ethics by encouraging violence, the Bureau summoned him to its office for questioning. During the interrogation by the police, Sangraula admitted that speaking against banks, thereby violating the rule of law, was his mistake. He has committed in writing to abide by the law in the future, refrain from making statements that affect society and the state, and has formally apologized to the Government of Nepal.

According to the Bureau's spokesperson and Superintendent of Police, Deepak Raj Awasthi, although a written undertaking has been secured, further investigation into him is ongoing. The police have clarified that surveillance has been increased on individuals who make illegal statements and broadcast audio-visual materials on social media and digital platforms. 

The police have also warned that anyone confirmed to be involved in such activities will face stringent action according to the law.