𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐮 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟒 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬

Raghu Pati Subedi, also known as Rangu Pati Suberi, a 39 to 40-year-old Bhutanese citizen and former National Council candidate, has reportedly been sentenced to 24 years in prison following his arrest in early 2025. Originating from Lhayuel village (formerly Maogang) under Gelephu District, Subedi was reportedly detained in connection with social media posts, primarily songs criticizing the government’s flagship Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

A 2012 Life Sciences graduate from Sherubtse College, Subedi first entered the political arena when he ran for the National Council in 2013. Renowned for his advocacy of youth participation and rural development, he was a popular social media influencer, Vlogger, multilingual and celebrated for his diverse talents.

According to his social media posts and numerous comments from friends and well-wishers, Subedi was a bright intellectual who had secured a place in an MBBS program but was forced to forgo the opportunity due to undisclosed circumstances. Prior to his arrest, he was reportedly residing in neighbouring India.

While Subedi has faced earlier allegations related to fraud involving farmers, sources confirm these matters are unrelated to his current arrest.

Despite his arrest several months ago and harsh sentencing, no media outlet inside Bhutan has yet covered the story. Bhutanese authorities and relevant organizations have yet to release any statement or details regarding the arrest, formal charges, court proceedings, or the legal rationale behind the 24-year sentence. The absence of verified information has resulted in a near-complete information blackout.

This lack of transparency, coupled with the severity of the punishment, has raised serious concerns among human rights observers and advocates for free speech. The case highlights pressing concerns about the limitations on dissent and the protection of civil liberties in Bhutan.