Top Madhesi activist arrested in Nepal

Nepal police has arrested a prominent Madhesi activist who has been advocating an independent Madhes, for allegedly committing "organised crime against the state".
CK Raut, who is active in the Terai demanding that the southern plains be separated from Nepal, was arrested yesterday at a time when the government was being criticised for doing nothing to those who have been openly talking about disintegrating the country.
He has been launching massive campaign across the southern Terai region through the Alliance for Independent Madesh (AIM) demanding independent Madhes.
A senior police officer has confirmed his arrest. Inspector General of Nepal Police Upendra Kanta Aryal said a case of sedition will be filed against Raut.

"The police will investigate each and every case against him," he added.
Raut had staged protest rallies in Lahan, the district headquarters of Siraha, demanding the separation of Terai from Nepal.

"I was not served any legal notice for my arrest," Raut said on his arrest. He is still facing various treason cases in the courts in Nepal.
At a function organised on the premises of Pashupati Adarsha Higher Secondary School on January 18, Raut had spoken for about 11 minutes in which he had publicly stated that the Terai should seceded from Nepal.
Issuing a statement, Raut's supporters have also confirmed his arrest. "Nepali state has yet again shown its racist colour by arresting Dr Raut from Janakpur in an undemocratic manner," said a statement issued by Kailash Mahato.

A scientist by profession, Raut holds a PhD from Cambridge University and had worked in the US.