Pokhara incident: Indian national held for filling hydrogen in balloons

KATHMANDU: Pokhara police have arrested an Indian national for filling hydrogen gas in balloons during the inauguration ceremony of Visit Year 2025. Ward Police Office, Baidam, apprehended 41-year-old Kamlesh Kumar in connection with the incident.

During the event on Saturday, balloons filled with hydrogen gas were tied with banners and prepared for release.

However, a spark from the ignition machine caused an explosion, injuring Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel and Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya.

Authorities are currently investigating how hydrogen-filled balloons were brought onto the stage for the event’s inauguration.