Background
“A Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) worker, Dr Nicholous Bhusal, has claimed that he took the photo of RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane in custody that has gone viral on social media.” myRepublica
“Dr. who calls himself a social activist. Nicholas Bhusal published a video through social media and claimed that he took the picture. In the video, he said, ‘I didn’t even go inside the detention center and shoot it, I shot the footage of the CCTV camera.’” Ekantipur
“Dr Kamal (Nicholas) Bhusal, who was arrested for taking and publicizing a photo of Rabi Lamichhane … has been released on Monday.” myRepublica
Pros / Strengths (reported facts)
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“Dr Nicholas Bhusal, a psychiatrist at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) suicide prevention hotline opines that the number of callers has grown exponentially during this pandemic.” — indicates medical training and involvement in public health work. Nepal Live Today
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He has visibility and a public platform: sources note Bhusal’s social-media presence and that he publicly admitted and discussed the custody photo on Facebook Live. Ekantipur
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Bhusal has been active in street-level protest movements; reporting states he was among demonstrators taken into custody during Gen Z protests. This shows on-the-ground activism and youth engagement. Kathmandu Post
Cons / Controversies (reported facts)
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“After the photo went viral on social media, Dr Bhusal … took to Facebook to confirm that he had taken the photo himself.” Authorities launched investigations into how a custody photo reached the public. myRepublica
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Legal action: “The District Government Attorney Office (DGAO) Kaski filed the case seeking a fine of Rs 100,000 and a five-year imprisonment for Bhusal.” He was later “released on a bail of Rs 50,000.” myRepublica
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Official concern about custodial security and legality: reporting cites police investigation directives and mentions that the incident could attract provisions of the Electronic Transactions Act and other laws. Ekantipur
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Repeated detentions: coverage documents multiple arrests related to protests and public actions, indicating potential reputational and legal risks for a political figure. Kathmandu Post
Evidence summary (sources)
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Photo admission and apology: reporting records Bhusal’s statement that “This photo is real, I took it myself. It was a mistake, and I apologize.” myRepublica
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Legal follow-up: Kaski police investigation and DGAO case seeking fines and imprisonment; court ordered bail of Rs 50,000. myRepublica
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Activism record: arrested while protesting at Maitighar as part of Gen Z demonstrations. Kathmandu Post
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Medical / public-health background: psychiatrist at TUTH and involvement with suicide-prevention hotlines. Nepal Live Today
Is he a fit for politics in Nepal? (reported context)
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Supporters and visibility: reporting shows Bhusal is publicly visible, engages on social media, and participates in street politics — traits that can mobilize attention and grassroots support. Ekantipur
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Liability and legal risk: documented arrests, investigations, and the DGAO case suggest legal and reputational vulnerabilities that parties would weigh before formal political endorsement. myRepublica
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Policy credibility: Bhusal’s clinical and public-health experience (suicide-prevention hotline, psychiatry at TUTH) provides domain credibility on health and social issues. Nepal Live Today
Images
Source: myRepublica
Source: Ekantipur
Source: Kathmandu Post
What’s Your Take?
- Which reported strength or achievement of Dr Bhusal matters most for Nepali politics?
- How should political parties weigh his medical/public-health background against his legal controversies?
- Do Bhusal’s arrests and legal cases make him more of an activist figure than a viable mainstream political candidate?
- What safeguards should parties demand before endorsing activists with ongoing legal issues?