61-Year-Old Man Charged With Cybercrime for Abusive Social Media Comments Targeting RPP member Khusbu Oli

Kathmandu. A cybercrime case has been filed against a 61-year-old man for allegedly posting obscene and defamatory comments targeting Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) chief whip and House of Representatives member Khusbu Oli on social media.

The District Government Attorney Office filed the case at the Kathmandu District Court a few days ago against Pradhuman Shrestha, 61, of Satungal, Chandragiri-11, Kathmandu.

The case stems from a complaint lodged by MP Oli with the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, alleging that she had been subjected to continuous online harassment, character assassination, and threats of rape and physical assault through personal mobile messages and Facebook Messenger. Acting on the complaint, the Cyber Bureau arrested Shrestha on June 15.

According to the charge sheet, a political post shared in a Facebook group from an account named “Sabin Kulung” featured photographs of Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa, and MP Khusbu Oli. Prosecutors allege that Shrestha posted a comment containing highly obscene, abusive, and insulting language directed at Oli.

In her complaint, Oli said the comment seriously damaged her reputation and character, spread a negative message in society, and incited hatred against her.

During police interrogation and in his statement before the government attorney, Shrestha admitted to posting the comment.

According to the charge sheet, Shrestha said he had been under mental stress due to ongoing disputes with his wife. He stated that while sitting under a tree near his home while browsing Facebook, he came across the post and decided to leave the abusive comment after seeing similar remarks from others.

"I thought it wouldn't make any difference if I also wrote such a comment," he said in his statement.

Shrestha further stated that he was arrested on June 15 during the investigation and expressed his willingness to face legal punishment.

Assistant District Attorney Sumanta Bhattarai filed the charge sheet at the Kathmandu District Court on July 1, seeking punishment under Section 47(1) of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063.

The provision allows for a fine of up to Rs 100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, for publishing electronic content that is against public morality and decency or that spreads hatred or enmity against an individual.

The prosecution has also requested the court to confiscate the mobile phone used to commit the offence under Section 56 of the Act and to order compensation for the victim after assessing the mental distress and damage caused, in accordance with Sections 58(A) and 76 of the Act.

Additionally, prosecutors have sought an order to deposit the compensation amount into the Victim Relief Fund under Section 41 of the Crime Victim Protection Act, 2075.

Following the filing of the case, MP Oli reiterated her "zero tolerance" policy towards online harassment, threats, and hate speech. She warned that legal action would also be taken against anyone who continues to publish abusive or misleading content if it is not removed immediately.

Oli also thanked the Home Minister and the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau for their prompt action and support in the case.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: असार २२, २०८३ ११:५५