KMG Chief Sirohiya arrested, journalists demand action against Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane

Kathmandu, 21 May: Police today arrested Kailash Sirohiya, Chairman of the Kantipur Media Group (KMG), in the charge of possessing multiple citizenship.

Sirohiya was arrested from his office chamber at the Central Plaza in Thapathali amidst warning from legal and media people that a raid in this manner was unacceptable in democracy.

A Truck load of Riot police which had arrived at the Kantipur office retreated, but they waited about a 100 metre away till Sirohiya was driven to Dhanusha.

Journalists and employees of the KMG shouted slogans against the Home Minister asking to him quit the post as he was in possession of double passports.

Sirohiya said it was unfair on the part of the government to arrest somebody just because an anonymous complaint has been lodged against, ‘this can happen to anyone’ he added.

Shuva Shankar Kandel of the media society warned that this assault on the media could well herald the downfall and exit of the Prachanda government, although Prime Minister Dahal, UML Chair K P Oli and Home Minister Lamichhane may be celebrating their act of vendetta today.