Tsewang Paldhen, a 59-year-old carpenter from Gyantse, was arrested by Chinese authorities sometime between December 1991 and January 1992 while visiting relatives between Lhatse and Dingri in central Tibet. Reports later confirmed that he was being detained in Gutsa Prison after concerns initially emerged regarding his disappearance following November 1991.

Chinese authorities subsequently raided his residence in the Rabsel Tsankhang area of southern Lhasa. During the operation, Tatru, a nun and relative of his deceased wife Mrs. Lhundup Tenzin, was detained at Sangyip Prison on either 2 or 3 February 1992. She was reportedly interrogated for seven days and severely tortured for information concerning activities linked to Tsewang Paldhen’s household.

The case occurred shortly after the death of Tsewang Paldhen’s wife in October 1991, reportedly caused by depression following the detention and later escape into exile of their daughter, Sonam Dolkar. Sonam Dolkar had previously been detained from 30 July 1990 to May 1991 at Sie Chu Prison under Sangyip Prison administration. In testimony later published by Amnesty International, she described prolonged incommunicado detention, inadequate food, harsh prison conditions, denial of medical care, and torture involving electric shocks during her imprisonment.