Bhakdro was one of six Tibetans prosecuted after a 1988 demonstration in Lhasa that resulted in the death of a Chinese police officer. Although he was not identified as a principal instigator, he was convicted for his involvement in the incident.

In January 1989, the Lhasa People’s Intermediate Court sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment, reflecting a comparatively lesser degree of responsibility than some of his co-accused.