Police bust organized gold jewelry theft gang
Investigations reveal that Raj Lama played a key role in executing the thefts while riding a motorcycle, with Durgabahadur Magar sitting behind and snatching jewelry from women’s necks.
KATHMANDU: Kathmandu police have arrested five members of a well-organized gang involved in a series of gold jewelry robberies across the capital.
The arrested suspects are: Raj Lama (28) from Sindhuli, Durgabahadur Magar (20) from Udayapur, Govind Sunar (40) from Ramechhap, Dipesh Rasaili (22) from Kailali, and Dilbahadur Bik from Bhaktapur. Authorities say the gang confessed to stealing more than seven gold ornaments in just one month.
Investigations reveal that Raj Lama played a key role in executing the thefts while riding a motorcycle, with Durgabahadur Magar sitting behind and snatching jewelry from women’s necks.
Dilbahadur BK, who runs “Shree Laxmi Jewelers” in Sallaghari, reportedly helped sell the stolen gold. Govind Sunar of “Kalika Jewelers” in Budhanilkantha and Dipesh Rasaili of “Manu Gems & Jewelers” in Sankhuwasava acted as buyers for the stolen items.
Crime Timeline:
-
Sept 24: Sabita Magar’s 1.5-gram gold necklace stolen in Nakhu Dol.
-
Sept 26: Hira Lama’s 1.15-gram gold necklace stolen near Nagarkot Single Tree.
-
Oct 12: Bhima Gurung’s 3-gram gold necklace stolen in Buddachowk, Lalitpur.
-
Oct 18: Arusi Joshi’s bag snatched in Nagarjun; Bishnumaya’s 1.25-gram necklace stolen in Guras Tole.
-
Oct 18: Buddhi Man Ghimire’s 1-gram necklace stolen near Raniban Radhakrishna Temple; Bimaya Gurung’s 2-gram necklace taken in Nepal Tar.
Police recovered clothing used during the robberies, over 70 SIM cards, multiple mobile phones, a motorcycle used in the thefts, plus three additional motorcycles.
From Dilbahadur BK, authorities seized Rs 388,000 in cash, and from Govind Sunar, 7.44 grams of gold along with Rs 166,000 in cash.
All five suspects have been remanded for 8 more days by the Kathmandu District Court for further investigation on charges of theft and robbery.
SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police, stated that the successful operation underscores the police’s active role and capability in controlling crime in the capital.
