Comedian Suleman Shankar (Iku) arrested

KATHMANDU: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police has arrested comedian Suleman Shankar, popularly known as “Iku,” on charges of human trafficking under the guise of an artist visa.

Shankar is accused of defrauding individuals by promising to take them to Canada, Australia, and European countries on artist visas, charging them between 1.5 million to 2 million NPR for the process, according to the CIB.

He was arrested from Budhanilkantha on Tuesday, and the Kathmandu District Court has extended his detention by five days for further investigation.

The police have stated that an investigation is ongoing.