Gold smuggling and robbery: Nepal Police ASI Tiwari suspended

Kathmandu, November 25 — An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) working at the Special Bureau of the Nepal Police has been suspended in connection with the gold smuggling and subsequent robbery and abduction of porters that occurred at the Kerung border in Rasuwa.

Nepal Police spokesperson (DIG) Dan Bahadur Karki informed Ratopati that ASI Sabin Tiwari has been suspended for investigation.

The container driver, Ram Krishna Waiba, had informed his cousin Nima Chiring Tamang about the gold being smuggled.

On August 8, a smuggling group had hidden the gold above the driver's seat in the container before sending it from Kerung. Nima had shared this information with ASI Tiwari, who then passed it on to Armed Police Force (APF) DSP Sanjay Adhikari working at Revenue Investigation Department.

A team led by DSP Adhikari was waiting in Kathmandu. However, by the time the container arrived in Kathmandu, the gold had already been stolen. Subsequently, the smuggling group kidnapped Ram Krishna Waiba and Nima Chiring Tamang, took them to Shailja Resort in Budhanilkantha, held them hostage, and beat them.

In connection with the abduction, the Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested four individuals, including Nurpu Singi Tamang, the treasurer of the Rasuwa Congress, and has filed a case against them.

DIG Karki explained that ASI Tiwari was suspended for failing to report the information about the gold smuggling to his chain of command, which was contrary to proper conduct, and an investigation has been initiated.

He added, "Police personnel must not collaborate with other entities by bypassing the chain of command, as it violates the expected conduct of a police officer." The Kathmandu District Police Range is holding those involved in the abduction for further investigation.

The individuals arrested include Nurpu Singi Tamang, treasurer of the Rasuwa District Committee of the Nepali Congress, Budhi Bahadur Tamang from Gosainkunda-1, Thuman, Tempa Nurpu Tamang from Gosainkunda-6, and Gopal Tamang from Kalika-1. All of them are found to be affiliated with the Nepali Congress

APF DSP and ASI to give statements
In the abduction case, Kathmandu police are set to take statements from APF DSP Sanjay Adhikari posted at the Revenue Investigation Department and ASI Sabin Tiwari. The victims, Ram Krishna Waiba and Nima Chiring, mentioned their names in their complaints, and authorities are preparing to gather further details for the investigation.