KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu District Court on Tuesday commenced detention hearings for 50 individuals accused in the violent protest at Tinkune on March 28.

The clash led to the deaths of journalist Suresh Rajak and transport worker Sabin Maharjan. Controversial medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai was among those presented before the bench of Judge Dhruva Raj Karki.

Statements from the defendants had been recorded starting May 25 and concluded recently, allowing the court to proceed with arguments on pretrial detention.

According to the Kathmandu District Government Attorney’s Office, Prasai is facing five grave charges: treason, criminal unrest, culpable homicide, attempted murder, and organized crime. These charges stem from his alleged role in orchestrating and inciting the violent protest.

The case was lodged by several senior police officials from the Kathmandu Valley Police. Complainants include Deputy Superintendent of Police Pralhad Karki, Inspectors Wangyal Lama and Pappu Kumar Das, Senior Sub-Inspectors Bishnu Khatiwada and Bijaya Shahi, Sub-Inspector Arjun Setthi, and Senior Head Constable Bishnu Sapkota

In a related development, a separate case concerning the looting at Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwar is moving forward.

Eleven individuals accused in that incident are set to undergo statement recording and detention hearings before the bench of Judge Padmaraj Pandey. They face charges of criminal unrest.