Gang Arrested for Series of Thefts, Including Burglary at Former Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah's Residence

Kathmandu. Police have arrested a gang responsible for burglaries, including one targeting the rented room of former Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen). Three individuals, including the main planner who had escaped from Nakkhu Prison in Lalitpur and was carrying out serial thefts in the valley, have been apprehended by a special team from the District Police Range, Kathmandu.

The police caught this gang during the investigation into the theft that occurred at Balen's room, located in Sita Devi Gurung's house in Chappal Factory, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-4. The main accused arrested is 42-year-old Manish Rajbahak, who escaped from Nakkhu Prison.

Theft Spree After Prison Escape

Police investigation revealed that Rajbahak, originally from Balaju, Kathmandu-16, is a professional thief. He was serving a sentence of three and a half years for a burglary case and escaped from Nakkhu Prison on Bhadra 24, 2082 BS. After escaping, he confessed to committing thefts in five locations, including Balen's rented room.

Three arrested for stealing from Balen's dormitory room

He specialized in stealing water taps and other items from under-construction houses, and silver utensils and expensive goods from other homes. Police arrested him on Magh 23 from a guesthouse in Bansbari. Tools used for theft, such as pliers, monkey wrenches, files, and screwdrivers, were recovered from him.

Two Accomplices Who Hid Stolen Goods Also Arrested

Police also arrested two more individuals who helped manage and hide the goods stolen by Manish. Those arrested are 46-year-old Khimbahadur Khadka, originally from Sindhupalchok and residing in Garigaun, and 45-year-old Sanjay Shrestha, originally from Doti and residing in Khanikhola, Dhading.

Khimbahadur, who also operates a sand depot, was responsible for selling and distributing the items stolen by Manish. Silver plates, bowls, and fake jewelry resembling gold were recovered from his room. Khimbahadur was previously on the wanted list for a banking offense case.

Similarly, the other accomplice, Sanjay Shrestha, helped hide the stolen laptops. Police stated that he pawned the laptops after giving Manish 8,000 rupees. An Apple MacBook Pro, a Dell laptop, and a CCTV DVR stolen from Balen's room were recovered from his residence in Dhading. Sanjay and Manish became acquainted in Ramechhap Prison. Sanjay had previously served time for a rape case.

Police stated that all three individuals have been taken into custody and further investigation is underway.