MP Ansari accused of having opposition Hindu activist arrested

The arrest of a disaster-affected family member in Bara has triggered sharp political pushback in Madhesh Province, with opposition leaders alleging state overreach during crisis response efforts. The Rastriya Ekata Dal has strongly condemned police action against its district member, Awdhesh Mandal, who was taken into custody after publicly criticizing local leadership over delayed search operations for his missing relative.

Accusations Against Local Lawmaker

According to a press statement released by Dilip Gupta, Madhesh Province Secretary of the Rastriya Ekata Dal, lawmaker Rahbar Ansari orchestrated the arrest of the opposition Hindu activist using law enforcement channels. Mandal, a resident of Parwanipur Rural Municipality-1 in Bara, had repeatedly requested assistance from Ansari to locate his brother-in-law, who went missing during the recent Bhote Koshi floods. Unable to receive support, Mandal vented his grievance on social media.

Breach of Government Directives Cited

Party officials emphasized that detaining citizens for demanding accountability from elected representatives during a natural calamity is deeply irresponsible. The organization pointed out that the police intervention directly violates Prime Minister Balendra Shah's explicit directive prohibiting punitive measures against flood victims who voice criticism or frustration regarding government relief efforts.

Demands and Agitation Warning

Demanding Mandal's immediate and unconditional release, the party has urged authorities to intensify search and rescue operations along the Bhote Koshi region while streamlining relief distribution. The Rastriya Ekata Dal has further called for an independent inquiry into the alleged misuse of police power, urging action against any guilty lawmaker or official involved. The leadership warned that failure to release Mandal promptly would force the party to launch widespread protest programs across the region.