Mystery Vehicle Blockade Outside Media Houses And Gagan Thapa’s Residence Triggers Investigation And Political Questions

On Monday morning, five vehicles were found parked in front of three major media organizations, a commercial establishment, and the residence of Nepali Congress leader Gagan Thapa. The vehicles were parked in a way that blocked entrances and roads outside Onlinekhabar, Kantipur Publications, Himalaya Television, Bhat Bhateni Supermarket in Anamnagar, and Thapa's residence in Ratopul. The incident immediately drew attention from police, journalists, political parties, and the public.

Police Investigation

According to the District Police Range Kathmandu, all five vehicles have been taken into custody and sent to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office for further investigation.

Police spokesperson Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai said officers first checked whether the vehicles contained any suspicious materials or security risks. After finding nothing dangerous and seeing that no owners had come forward to claim them, the vehicles were removed from the sites.

Police are now trying to identify who parked the vehicles, why they were placed at those specific locations, and whether the incidents were connected. Officials have also said that no formal complaint has been filed so far, but the investigation will continue until the motive is established.

One Vehicle Linked To RSP Leader

During the investigation, police found that one of the vehicles parked outside the entrance of Kantipur Publications had been used by Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Ravi Jaiswal.

According to police, the vehicle had been booked under the name of Jyoti and had not yet been officially transferred to Jaiswal's name. Authorities stressed that the discovery alone does not prove that the vehicle was parked there by Jaiswal or on behalf of his party.

The vehicle parked outside Onlinekhabar was found to be registered in the name of Sunil Paudel. Police are still working to identify the owners and users of the remaining vehicles through records from the Department of Transport Management.

Timing Raises Questions

The incident happened shortly after Kathmandu Metropolitan City stopped deploying its municipal police for traffic and parking management following the ongoing investigation into the Ganesh Nepali death case.

Municipal police had previously assisted Nepal Police in managing roadside parking, footpaths, and traffic in different parts of Kathmandu. However, after questions were raised about the role of municipal police in the Ganesh Nepali case, the metropolis temporarily suspended their deployment for traffic management duties.

Officials from Kathmandu Metropolitan City said a decision on whether municipal police will return to those responsibilities will only be made after the investigation committee submits its report.

Media Organizations Express Concern

Representatives of the affected media organizations believe the coordinated parking of vehicles outside multiple media houses cannot simply be dismissed as a coincidence.

Several media outlets had recently published reports questioning the government's handling of the Ganesh Nepali death case. Because of this, concerns have been raised that the vehicles may have been placed deliberately to intimidate or pressure media organizations.

Onlinekhabar Editor in Chief Basanta Basnet said the simultaneous placement of vehicles outside three different media houses appeared intentional. He added that the organization would take an official position only after all facts are verified through the investigation.

Political Reactions

Following reports that one of the vehicles had been used by an RSP leader, the Rastriya Swatantra Party issued a statement calling for a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation.

The party said any attempt to create fear or pressure against media organizations should be condemned and those responsible should face legal action. It also called on the government and security agencies to ensure the physical and psychological safety of journalists and media institutions.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists also demanded an immediate investigation, saying the incident had created fear within the media community. The federation urged authorities to identify those responsible and take legal action without delay.

Investigation Continues

Police have not yet announced whether the incidents were politically motivated or part of a coordinated plan. Officials say they are collecting vehicle ownership records, reviewing available evidence, and questioning relevant individuals before reaching any conclusions.

As the investigation continues, the unusual incident has sparked widespread public discussion about media freedom, political accountability, and security in the capital. Authorities say more information will be released after the investigation progresses.