Three youth activists detained from Kirtipur holding centre

Three youth activists, including prominent figures Majid Ansari and Sarishma Thapa, were detained Saturday evening from a Kirtipur holding center. Police stated the trio obstructed a rescue operation for evicted squatters, leading to their apprehension. Deputy Superintendent of Police Shiva Kumar Budhathoki, chief of the Kirtipur Police Circle, said the activists disrupted efforts and refused to comply with orders to clear the area.

“

A group of activists started a dispute inside the centre, disrupting our rescue efforts. We asked them to clear the area, but they refused to comply, which prompted the detention.

However, eyewitnesses and fellow activists presented a different account. Riyab Baniya, an activist at the scene, alleged the dispute arose from political favoritism. He claimed Ojaswi Thapa, an aide to the Home Minister, received preferential access to the facility while others were forced out. Baniya also accused police of using excessive force, manhandling Ansari and causing visible bruises, which he supported with photographs.

“

He was allowed to remain inside the facility, while we were arbitrarily ordered to leave.

Budhathoki denied the excessive force allegations, stating officers used minimum force to manage a non-compliant crowd and physically guided them into a vehicle. The duration of the detainees' custody remains uncertain, pending directives from higher authorities regarding formal charges. This incident follows severe waterlogging at the holding center after torrential rain exposed its flawed drainage system, leaving settlers knee-deep in water and destroying their belongings. Activists had gathered to protest the government's inadequate disaster preparedness and poor management of displaced families.

“

Majid has visible bruises. They assaulted him while dragging him into the police vehicle.