Authorities have arrested a suspect, identified as 20-year-old Dipak Phayal, in California in connection with a sexual assault case linked to St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Another suspect, Sujan Tamang, remains on the run, according to the St. Cloud Police Department.
On February 27, 2025, the Fremont Police Department Street Crimes Unit arrested Dipak Phayal in Fremont, California, in connection with the assault reported on November 1, 2024, at 8:53 p.m. in the 500 block of 1st Avenue South, according to the St. Cloud Police Department.
Phayal was taken into custody without incident. The St. Cloud Police Department stated that he is being held in California pending extradition to Stearns County, Minnesota, for further legal proceedings.
Authorities have identified a second suspect, 19-year-old Sujan Tamang, who remains at large. “An additional press release will be issued when Tamang is taken into custody,” the department noted, withholding further details about his whereabouts as the investigation continues. Both suspects are Nepali-speaking.
The St. Cloud Police Department is seeking public assistance and urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Phayal faces charges of first- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct, as well as aiding and abetting first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Tamang, who is also the subject of a nationwide warrant, is charged with two counts of first-degree aiding and abetting criminal sexual conduct and one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The allegations stem from an incident in which the two men are accused of forcibly taking a female student to her dormitory room at St. Cloud State University and sexually assaulting her. According to the criminal complaint, the victim reported the assault to authorities, and public safety officials identified Phayal and Tamang as suspects.
Hours after the assault, Phayal reportedly sent the victim a message via Instagram to check on her condition. DNA samples collected during the victim’s medical examination matched both Phayal and Tamang, according to the complaint.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
