Serang Chu, a monk associated with the same monastic group at Reting Monastery, was detained during the crackdown that followed political unrest inside the monastery in 1996. Chinese authorities alleged that he had participated in nationalist activities and supported the dissemination of pro-independence posters.

He was arrested on 22 November 1996 and held at Gutsa Detention Centre during investigation and trial proceedings. After interrogation by Chinese authorities, he was sentenced to two years in prison. Reports indicate that he served his sentence in Drapchi Prison alongside other monks arrested in the same case.