YouTuber Charged With Cybercrime Over Abusive Posts Targeting PM Balen and His Family

Kathmandu. A cybercrime case has been filed against YouTuber Roshan Pokharel for posting abusive and obscene content targeting Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) and his family on social media.

Pokharel, 24, of Phalgunanda Rural Municipality-7 in Panchthar, was arrested on April 9th. A few days ago, the District Government Attorney's Office, Panchthar, filed a charge sheet against him at the Phidim District Court under the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063.

According to the charge sheet, police found that Pokharel had been posting videos and status updates containing obscene, insulting, and indecent language targeting several public figures through his Facebook account Hades Junglee, TikTok accounts @hadesjunglee and @_hadesjunglee, Instagram account, and YouTube channel Hades. The case proceeded based on a police investigation led by the District Police Office, Panchthar.

Pokharel Admits to Posting the Content

During the investigation, Pokharel admitted to operating the social media accounts under the name Hades Junglee and acknowledged posting abusive content targeting the Prime Minister.

In his statement, he told investigators that he intentionally used obscene language written in Roman English to insult Prime Minister Balen in an attempt to increase likes, views, and engagement on his social media posts.

He also admitted to producing videos mocking and insulting other political leaders. According to the statement, Pokharel acknowledged that he was aware the law prohibited such content but said he acted impulsively and is prepared to face legal consequences.

Mobile Phone Sent for Digital Forensic Examination

During his arrest, police recovered a Xiaomi 14T smartphone and a SIM card from Pokharel. Both items have been sent to the Digital Forensic Laboratory at Nepal Police Headquarters in Naxal, Kathmandu, for examination.

In the charge sheet filed by Assistant District Attorney Awasar Maden, punishment was sought under Section 47(1) of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063. If convicted, Pokharel could face a fine of up to Rs 100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

The prosecution has also requested the court to confiscate the Xiaomi 14T smartphone allegedly used in the offence under Section 56 of the Electronic Transactions Act and Section 11 of the Offense-Related to Property and Means (Seizure, Control and Confiscation) Act, 2070.

In addition, the charge sheet seeks compensation for the damage to the victim's reputation and requests that the amount be deposited into the Victim Relief Fund in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act and the Crime Victims Protection Act.

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