KATHMANDU: Police have arrested 32 individuals for spreading rumors through social media.

According to the Central Election Cell at the Police Headquarters, they were arrested on charges of spreading rumors and misinformation online, engaging in activities against the election, misleading voters, and violating the election code of conduct.

Police Central Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abi Narayan Kafle stated that, according to provincial details, four individuals were arrested from Madhes Province, four from Bagmati Province, one from Gandaki Province, four from Lumbini Province, two from Karnali Province, and one from Sudurpashchim Province. Additionally, 16 individuals were taken into custody from the Kathmandu Valley. No arrests have been made so far in Koshi Province.

Among those arrested, 17 have been released, while further investigation is being carried out against 15 individuals in accordance with prevailing legal provisions, police said.

To strengthen cyber monitoring related to elections, provincial cyber units have been mobilized under the central mechanism.