Thupten Thabkai, a monk from Tsamphung Monastery in Tengchen County, Chamdo Prefecture, was arrested by Chinese authorities following a bomb explosion at a government-operated gold mining site in Trekdo Township on 18 July 2001. He was among 16 monks and laypersons detained on suspicion of involvement in the incident. Reports indicate that detainees were subjected to severe torture and ill-treatment during interrogation. On 13 November 2001, the Chamdo Intermediate People's Court sentenced Thupten Thabkai to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of 19,000 yuan. His conviction followed proceedings that raised serious concerns regarding due process and the treatment of detainees in custody.