Wed Feb 19 14:04:49 UTC 2025: ## Indian National Arrested for Pokhara Balloon Explosion Injuring Nepali Deputy PM
**Kathmandu, Nepal** – Nepali police have arrested an Indian national, Kamlesh Kumar (41), in connection with a balloon explosion that injured Deputy Prime Minister Bishnu Paudel during the inauguration of “Visit Pokhara Year 2025” on February 15th. Kumar, responsible for filling the balloons with hydrogen gas, has been charged with negligence.
The incident occurred when two hydrogen-filled balloons exploded near lit candles, burning Deputy Prime Minister Paudel and Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya. Both sustained minor burns to their hands and faces. Paudel was discharged from Kirtipur Burn Hospital on Monday, while Acharya remains under observation.
Following the incident, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak established an investigative committee. Deputy Superintendent of Police Basanta Sharma confirmed Kumar’s arrest and the filing of charges in Kaski district court. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 