The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested Roshana Chapagain, a fugitive accused in four banking fraud cases, from Kamrotar, Bhaktapur. Chapagain had been sentenced to one year and six months in prison along with a fine of NPR 150,000 for foreign scam charges. She had cases filed against her for banking fraud in Dolakha, Lalitpur, Kalimati, and Maharajgunj, and has now been sent to jail to serve her sentence. April 4, Kathmandu.
The arrested woman, 46-year-old Roshana Chapagain, originally from Dhuniveshi Municipality-9 in Dhading, currently residing in Thimi Municipality-5, Bhaktapur, was detained by a team of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office at Kamrotar, Bhaktapur. SP Rameshwar Karki stated that she was a fugitive in four separate banking fraud cases.
Cases against her were filed on the following dates and locations: Dolakha District Police Office on August 14, 2025 (29 Shrawan 2082 BS), Lalitpur District Police Office on March 12, 2024 (28 Chaitra 2080 BS), Kalimati Police Post on September 25, 2023 (9 Ashoj 2080 BS), and Maharajgunj Police Post on February 22, 2024 (10 Falgun 2080 BS). Chapagain, who had been absconding in all these cases, has now been apprehended and sent to jail through the Kathmandu District Court for sentence enforcement.
The Army Headquarters at Jangi Adda has launched the eighth edition of the disaster response exercise, ‘Haatemalo’. Deputy Commander Anup Jung Thapa inaugurated the exercise. This three-day drill is being conducted with a focus on potential floods and landslides during the monsoon season. April 3, Kathmandu.
The Army Headquarters stated that the exercise aims to review ongoing disaster management activities, enhance response capacity, and strengthen coordination and collaboration among stakeholders. The first edition of ‘Haatemalo’ was conducted at the provincial level during the fiscal year 2075/076 under the coordination of the Nepalese Army and support from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Since then, the exercise has been held annually at Jangi Adda. Considering the potential flood and landslide risks during the monsoon, this three-day exercise is now underway. Subsequently, similar exercises will be conducted at the provincial and district levels. The program was attended by Rathi officers, representatives from various ministries, non-governmental organizations, national and international agencies, members of other security bodies, and Nepal Army officers.
April 21, Kathmandu – Indian National Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi expressed her happiness over her party’s coalition, the United Democratic Front (UDF), taking the lead in the Kerala Assembly elections. Sharing her gratitude on social media platform X, she also thanked the voters. “To all my brothers and sisters in Kerala, thank you for your trust and overwhelming support,” she wrote on X. “The faith you have shown in us will be our guiding force at UDF, as we work hard to build a bright future for all of you.”
Priyanka Gandhi is also the elected Member of Parliament from the Wayanad constituency in Kerala. She won the seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, her brother Rahul Gandhi had won elections from both Wayanad and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. Subsequently, Rahul stepped down from Wayanad and fielded Priyanka in the by-election, where she secured a decisive victory. In her recent statement, she extended her thanks to the people of Wayanad as well, saying, “I want to tell my family members in Wayanad that you have once again shown your trust in UDF by winning all 7 out of 7 seats with a strong mandate.”
Highlighting that there are now eight representatives, including herself, working for Wayanad’s development, Priyanka stated, “You now have eight representatives to work together for the development of Wayanad. We will do our utmost to fulfill your expectations.” The United Democratic Front is maintaining a significant lead in the Kerala Assembly elections. In the election for 140 seats, the UDF currently leads in 102 seats.
The community displaced by bulldozer demolitions of houses in the Kathmandu Valley continues to seek contact with the government as of Monday.
Machakaji Maharjan, Project Director of the Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee, clarified that the registration process for those claiming to be landless has not been stopped.
“Reports indicate that only a limited number of house demolitions are still ongoing,” he said, “the registration process must continue during this period.”
He also shared that about two thousand families have been registered so far.
Prakriti KC, Information Officer at the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, another body involved in registration, confirmed on Monday that registrations are ongoing.
According to the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, among those registered, approximately 800 people have been placed in government-managed holding centers while others have started making their own arrangements.
The government has established holding centers in Kirti Pur’s Radha Swami Satsang building, new bus park and Machhapokhari area hotels, as well as two government training centers located in Bhaktapur.
Prime Minister Balen’s Commitment: No One Will Be Made Homeless
Image source, PMO
Prime Minister Balendra Shah (known as Balen) stated, “We are removing houses built by unauthorized occupation on riverbanks and government land in the Kathmandu Valley with bulldozers.”
Amid criticism of the government’s displacement and management policies, Prime Minister Balen clarified on Facebook that the initiative is not aimed at evicting citizens but ensuring they have permanent housing.
He affirmed the government’s full commitment to provide respectful, safe, and permanent housing for all landless citizens, stating, “No citizen will be rendered homeless.”
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
Regarding the way forward, the Prime Minister explained that certain provisions of the 2021 Land Act, which had obstructed a long-term solution to the squatter problem, have now been removed.
Subsequently, the collection, verification, and preparation of clear digital records of actual landless individuals have already commenced.
Prime Minister Balen wrote, “The government is now moving forward to identify genuine landless people and provide organized, transparent, and sustainable solutions. Arrangements will be made for the safe and systematic relocation of citizens at risk.”
Expansion of Protests Amid Fear?
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
As bulldozers began demolishing houses in Kathmandu, fear of homelessness has spread to various parts of the country.
Protests led by squatters have been reported in several districts and market areas.
The Prime Minister targeted these movements, stating that there are attempts to spread fear and intentionally apply pressure on citizens residing in landless or unauthorized settlements.
He added that the government will decide on issues concerning landless citizens outside insecure settlements based on recommendations by the concerned commission and collected data.
His party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, mentioned the formation of an empowered authority to resolve the squatter issue and asked people not to panic. However, with the problem’s complexity, questions remain regarding how long the government will continue housing people in holding centers.
Machakaji Maharjan of the Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee stated, “The identification process is progressing, and once genuine landless people are recognized, the government will take decisions.”
Sharad Prasad Trital, Coordinator of the famed Land Management Committee at Baluwatar and former Secretary, expressed hope that the government will address the long-standing suffering of genuine squatters, which the organization has understood.
He said, “Displacements during rainstorms have impacted children, postpartum women, and the elderly. The government must quickly relieve genuine squatters from years of hardship. Political manipulation is also a factor prolonging the problem.”
Former Secretary’s Recommendations for Resolving the Issue
About a dozen commissions formed in the past have failed to solve the squatter problem, despite repeatedly distributing land ownership certificates.
The dissolved commission had registered approximately 1.2 million squatters and citizens living in unplanned settlements.
According to former Secretary Trital, simply creating traditional commissions to distribute government land will not solve the squatter problem.
He said, “A judicial commission should be established to verify whether previously distributed land ownership certificates actually went to genuine squatters. The landless should be empowered to build their own homes and land.”
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
He added that children should be provided education, skill-based training given according to needs, employment created, and special allowances provided until individuals become capable. The government should also take responsibility for the disabled and elderly.
During demolitions of homes built on allegedly encroached land, some people holding land ownership certificates and maps have expressed disagreement.
Trital recommends the government provide compensation to those who were the first to receive land on government property.
Reports indicate the government is seeking solutions amid complex nationwide privatization histories of public land over decades.
Former Secretary Trital said, “If the government wishes, it can start surveying where and when public land was encroached upon and identify the facts to take action within a year.”
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Savitra Bhandari, the captain of the Nepalese women’s football team, has arrived at Aspetar Hospital in Qatar for rehabilitation following knee surgery. Through social media, Samba expressed gratitude to her supporters and well-wishers, updating that her treatment is progressing well. She also voiced disappointment with the current state of Nepali football but expressed hope for imminent improvement.
Samba plans to stay at Aspetar Hospital in Qatar for a few months to continue her treatment and rehabilitation. She thanked her supporters, club, and everyone who has helped her via social media and informed that her recovery is progressing positively. However, she expressed dissatisfaction after observing the present situation of football in Nepal.
Samba sustained an injury while playing for Wellington Phoenix in the Australian ‘A’ League last December. She tore her right knee ACL in a collision with the goalkeeper. About two months later, in February, she criticized the Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for not assisting with her treatment and appealed for financial support. Following her appeal, Nepali supporters worldwide raised funds to aid her. Subsequently, Dr. Simon and his team in Auckland, New Zealand, performed a successful surgery. Due to the challenging circumstances in the Gulf region, it was difficult to reach Aspetar Hospital in Qatar; therefore, the surgery was conducted in New Zealand.
April 21, Kathmandu – The Nepal Athletics Association has announced that it has successfully completed its renewal process with the National Sports Council (RANAKHAP). A report published on Monday included the Athletics Association among three dozen sports federations that had not yet renewed their registration. The list provided by RANAKHAP indicated the Athletics Association as pending renewal. However, RK Bisht, Secretary of the Athletics Association, has confirmed that the renewal process has been completed successfully.
In Adarsha, Ward No. 5, Bhaktapur Municipality, a tipper truck bearing the number Ba 4 Kha 3156 struck and killed 43-year-old Indian citizen Bisundev Sahni today. This information was provided by Swaroop Sharma, the acting public information officer of the Bhaktapur District Police Office.
Police have arrested 36-year-old Shyamkumar Tamang, the tipper driver who resides in Banepa but originally hails from Jyamire, Ward No. 10, Mandandeupur Municipality, Kavrepalanchok. Further investigations into the incident are underway.
In the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, Joseph Vijay’s party, the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), is leading in 107 to 109 out of 234 seats, positioning itself as the dominant party. Vijay entered politics in 2024 after quitting his acting career to establish TVK, and now appears a strong contender to become the Chief Minister. The party has surpassed the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK, breaking the monopoly in Dravidian politics while emphasizing social justice. Reported from Kathmandu on April 21.
The South Indian film industry is known for spectacular moments where a hero can change the course of events in seconds. But can such transformations happen in politics? Indian superstar Joseph Vijay has created a political earthquake in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections in a near cinematic fashion. By shaking the long-standing traditional political order to its core, he is advancing towards a historic victory. The latest trends and results of vote counting, which began on Monday, confirm that Vijay is emerging not only as a movie hero but also as a new political leader of Tamil Nadu.
His party, Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), contested the assembly elections for the first time and has established itself as the largest party in Tamil Nadu by overtaking the ruling DMK led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the main opposition AIADMK. This accomplishment strengthens the possibility that Joseph Vijay, affectionately called “Thalapathy,” meaning commander by his fans, could become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Following the US President Donald Trump’s announcement to assist ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has warned that any deployment of American troops in the waterway will provoke a military attack.
Trump declared on social media Monday morning that the US military would free the trapped vessels on “humanitarian” grounds due to food shortages aboard these ships.
The Iranian military asserted its control over the Hormuz Strait, vowing to attack any foreign armed forces entering the area, particularly hostile American troops.
Iran’s statement has escalated fears of military conflict. British Middle East correspondent Yolande Nell noted that if the US Navy enters the area, it could jeopardize a ceasefire crisis that has been ongoing for several weeks.
However, some reports suggest that the US Navy aims not to patrol the waterways but instead to escort the vessels safely through to protect them from Iranian attacks.
Iran Claims to Have Stopped US Warship
Image source, FARS
Caption: US response is pending regarding this map reportedly published by the IRGC
Iran claims to have denied a US Navy warship entry into the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Iranian military’s public relations department, “Due to strict warnings issued by the Iranian Navy, US and Israeli warships have been unable to enter the Strait of Hormuz.”
Iranian media report that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released a map illustrating a new control zone within the Hormuz Strait.
So far, there has been no official US response to this map and the claim.
Previously, senior Iranian lawmaker and former IRGC commander Ibrahim Azizi warned that any US interference would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.
Since the end of February, following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, approximately 2,000 ships and 20,000 passengers have been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Trump’s Statement
Image source, Reuters
Trump announced on Sunday via social media that the US would assist stranded ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
“For the benefit of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have planned to safely escort these nations’ vessels out of this restricted waterway,” he said.
However, he did not disclose the names of those countries.
The Hormuz Strait is crucial for oil, gas, and commercial shipping from the Gulf, but Iranian attacks and a US blockade have nearly obstructed this passage.
Trump has named this operation “Project Freedom” and expressed opposition to any further American intervention.
The US military disclosed it will deploy 15,000 troops, 100 aircraft, and warships equipped with guided missiles for the campaign.
Iran’s Response
Image source, Reuters
Iran responded through the Foreign Ministry to Trump’s announcement.
In a statement published by the semi-official Mehr news agency, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bagai described Iran as the “protector and guardian” of the Hormuz maritime route.
“Shipping companies and vessels must coordinate with Iranian competent authorities to ensure safety,” he added.
He emphasized that countries complying with regulations would have no justification to accept the US’ “illegal actions.”
Previously, the head of Iran’s central military command warned of severe consequences for any foreign armed forces attempting to enter Hormuz.
Ongoing Negotiations
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
Trump stated on Truth Social that “very positive discussions” are underway with Iran, which could yield “beneficial results for all.”
He was referring to a fourteen-point plan Iran sent to the US.
According to official media, Tehran is reviewing the US response through Pakistan.
Pakistan is mediating between Iran and the US, with Iran demanding the withdrawal of US troops near its borders, lifting of sanctions, and preventing Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
Pakistan has urged both sides to reach an agreement within 30 days.
Although the US has yet to issue an official reply, Israeli Kan News reports that Trump has rejected the plan during a telephone interview.
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The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has reduced the ticket price from 400 to 200 rupees for the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match against Oman. The ticket price adjustment comes after low spectator turnout attributed to the previously high ticket cost. CAN has not yet announced whether ticket prices will be adjusted for upcoming matches. Kathmandu, 21 Baisakh.
As part of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series hosted in Nepal, CAN lowered the ticket price for the final match against Oman. CAN announced on social media that the ticket price for the Oman match is set at 200 rupees. Previously, tickets for Nepal’s matches were priced at 400 rupees, while tickets for other matches were 100 rupees.
There had been discussions that high ticket prices were a major factor contributing to the low attendance witnessed during the League 2 series. Former players and supporters alike had commented that ticket prices were too expensive. The reduction aims to increase audience numbers and this revised price will also apply to the upcoming series between Nepal, the United States, and Scotland, CAN confirmed.
Minister for Forests and Environment as well as Agriculture and Livestock Development, Geeta Chaudhary, conducted an on-site inspection of Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur. During the inspection, she gathered detailed information on the current condition of the park and the activities within the conservation area. Chandrashekhar Chaudhary, the Chief Conservation Officer of the park, briefed her on prioritized efforts including reduction of human-wildlife conflict, wildlife habitat management, control of poaching, and rescue operations of injured and problematic animals.
Following the inspection, Minister Chaudhary emphasized the need for the park to take more effective measures to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife. She stated, “Alongside conservation, the park should develop special plans to promote tourism and enhance income generation for the local communities.”
Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, Krishnaprasad Yadav, has asserted that there is no possibility of a government change in the province. During the budget presentation, Yadav warned that any alteration in the government would result in significant losses for the province. He stated that leaders and lawmakers from all parties are united in their stance against any government change. April 21, Kathmandu.
Yadav made this claim before responding to questions from journalists at an event held in Janakpur on Monday. Emphasizing that none of the province’s lawmakers should even consider changing the government during the budget process, he said, “I am confident—this government is moving forward. This is the best time to implement the budget given the current context. We are on the brink of budget production. If anyone attempts to change the government, it will cause irreparable damage to the province. This would be an ill-fated development for Madhesh Province as well.”
The Chief Minister also noted that leaders and lawmakers from all parties remain vigilant against any government changes. He added, “All party leaders are alert. Our party lawmakers are fully aware. They should not engage in efforts to change the government; that is certain.”
The United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Congress party, is leading with 99 seats in the Kerala assembly elections, securing a clear majority. Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor took to social media platform X to describe this as a clear mandate from the people for change. Out of Kerala’s 140 assembly seats, 71 are needed for a majority, and this time the Congress coalition appears certain to return to power. April 21, Kathmandu.
Following the counting of votes in the Kerala assembly elections, the Congress-headed United Democratic Front (UDF) has achieved a decisive majority, prompting Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor to express his happiness. Through social media platform X, he called the result a clear mandate from the people for change. Tharoor wrote, “Since early morning, we have seen a spectacular victory for the UDF in Kerala. After counting half the votes, we are leading in over 100 seats — something no one had even imagined a month ago.”
He thanked the voters and commended the Congress and its coalition partners for their excellent performance across all constituencies. In Kerala’s 140-seat assembly, 71 seats are needed for a majority. According to current trends, the Congress-led coalition is ahead in 99 seats, well above the majority mark. Meanwhile, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is trailing significantly, making a change of government in Kerala certain once again.
Manchester United secured their place in the UEFA Champions League after two years by defeating Liverpool 3–2, ensuring a top-four finish in the English Premier League. Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United has delivered a notable performance with 10 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws in 14 matches.
In a thrilling Premier League contest held last night, Manchester United triumphed 3–2 over Liverpool to confirm their spot in the Champions League qualifiers. The match, played at Old Trafford, saw United adopt an aggressive stance from the start.
Manchester United took the lead in the sixth minute with a goal from Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko extended their advantage to 2–0 by the 14th minute. However, Liverpool began a comeback early in the second half. Dominic Soboslai scored in the 47th minute to level the score, followed by Cody Gakpo’s goal in the 56th minute, bringing the match to 2–2. The decisive goal came in the 77th minute from recently signed five-year contract player Koby Mine, who sealed a 3–2 victory, bringing United back to the Champions League.
Koby Mine, who was not initially a first-choice under former manager Rúben Amorim, proved crucial with his winning goal. This victory also marks the first time since the 2015–16 season that Manchester United has completed a league double over Liverpool. Furthermore, interim manager Michael Carrick has strengthened his claim for the permanent managerial position by leading the team to consecutive victories against top clubs. Under his leadership, United’s record stands at 10 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws from 14 games.
Lok Bahadur Bishwakarma, president of the Nepal Dalit Association, has resigned from his position due to family and health issues. On Monday, he submitted his resignation letter to President Gagan Kumar Thapa. The outgoing president, Sher Bahadur Deuba, had appointed Bishwakarma as the association’s president on 13 Ashoj 2080. Kathmandu, 21 Baishakh.
In his resignation letter, President Bishwakarma stated that he is unable to fulfill his responsibilities in office because of family and health concerns, prompting his decision to step down. Earlier, Bidhyan Gurung, president of Nepal Tarun Dal, had also submitted his resignation to President Thapa.
