KATHMANDU: Renowned artist Suleman Shankar, also known as Iku, has been arrested in Hattigauda, Kathmandu, on charges of fraud. According to Superintendent of Police Hobindra Bogati, Shankar was apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for allegedly defrauding multiple individuals with promises of artist visas to various western countries.

Shankar is accused of scamming people by offering to secure artist visas for travel to Canada, Australia, and European countries for participation in Nepali cultural programs. He assured these individuals of good jobs and income in these western nations.

According to the CIB, Shankar took significant financial gains from his victims, between Rs 1.5 million and Rs 2 million each. The money was transferred to his business's account, SMS Films Pvt Ltd.

When the promised travel arrangements failed to materialize, the affected individuals reported the scam to the police. This led to the investigation and subsequent arrest of Shankar by the CIB.