MP Harka Raj Rai files cyber complaint over death, arson threats online

Harka Raj Rai, a member of the House of Representatives from Sunsari-1, has filed a cybercrime complaint with the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, alleging death threats, arson threats and sustained online abuse targeting him and his family.

In the complaint, Rai states that TikTok user, named Sunita Khadka, threatened to “kill” him and “burn down” his house, while also using abusive and racist language against him.

He further alleges that the content spread through social media platforms like Facebook has created public misinformation and reputational harm, and has demanded action “to the fullest extent of the law.”

The case is likely to be examined under the Electronic Transactions Act 2007, which criminalises the publication of offensive or harmful content online. Given the nature of the allegations, including threats to life and property, additional provisions related to criminal intimidation may also be invoked.

The TikTok user has deleted the video while posting another two videos. In one, she clarifies that she made the remarks in disagreement with Rai’s recent demand to run alcohol and drug use tests on parliamentarians before entering the house.

Rai has alleged that the user is a Rastriya Swatantra Party supporter, which the user has refuted in another subsequent video.

The complaint comes amid a broader surge in politically charged online content following recent electoral developments, where criticism, satire and coordinated trolling often converge on social media platforms.

Legal experts say cases involving explicit threats, particularly those extending to family members, are treated with higher severity and should lead to stronger enforcement action if substantiated.