Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has instructed authorities to investigate and take action against those responsible for leaking a photograph of Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, who is in police custody in Kaski.

The former home minister is in custody on the charges of cooperative fraud, organised crime, and money laundering for the last over two months.

Lekhak also called for strict action against police personnel involved in the security lapses that enabled the leak of the picture.

The controversy arose after an image of Lamichhane lying on a small bed under a blanket in a detention cell was widely shared on social media, sparking questions about security protocol in the police custody.

The home minister discussed the issue with Inspector General of Nepal Police Basanta Kunwar and directed the latter to carry out a comprehensive investigation.

“I have ordered a detailed inquiry and necessary action regarding this incident,” Lekhak said, according to his secretariat.