Main Suspect in Theft at Balen Shah's Rented Home Arrested; Accomplices Also Nabbed
Kathmandu. On the night of Magh 15, a theft occurred at the house rented by senior leader of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra Sah 'Balen'.
The theft at Sah's residence, rented in Sita Devi Gurung's house located in Mandikhatar, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-4, was discovered only on the evening of the 16th. When Sah's relative went to turn on the lights at the rented place, they found the door open and subsequently informed the police.
Police arrested three individuals on suspicion of involvement in the theft. Two others were arrested for managing the stolen goods. The main accused involved in the theft is 42-year-old Manish Rajbahak.
Rajbahak, originally from Balaju Height, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16, was residing in Bansbari. SP Pawan Bhattarai of the District Police Range, Kathmandu, told Ratopati that he was arrested from Bansbari on Magh 23. After stealing from Sah's house, Rajbahak was staying at the Classic & Lodge Inn Guest House in Bansbari.
On the night of Magh 15, around 10 PM, Rajbahak entered Balen's house alone. An officer involved in the investigation stated that CCTV footage showed him entering alone. After about 45 minutes, Rajbahak was seen leaving with stolen goods in a bag. Police investigation revealed that the accused stole a CCTV camera, water taps, a DVR, and gold jewelry.
After the theft, he ate an apple found in the kitchen. He told investigating officers, "I was hungry, so I ate an apple and an orange before leaving."
Investigating officers mentioned that he stole confidently because it was late at night and the residents had not yet returned. Rajbahak spent about 45 minutes inside before leaving. During police questioning, he stated, "It took a long time to unscrew the water taps." It was found that he went to the roof, shut off the tank, and took two water taps.
Rajbahak had escaped from Nakkhu Jail on Bhadra 24 during the Genji movement. It was discovered that he gave the stolen goods to two other individuals for management. Police also arrested 46-year-old Khim Bahadur Khadka, originally from Sindhupalchok, and 45-year-old Sanjay Shrestha, originally from Doti and residing in Dhading Dhunibeshi Municipality-7, for their involvement in managing the stolen items.
Sanjay Shrestha was also in Nakkhu Jail with Rajbahak. He too had escaped from jail on Bhadra 24. Rajbahak gave the stolen Dell laptop and MacBook to Shrestha. Investigation revealed that Shrestha provided expenses to Rajbahak in exchange for the stolen mobile phone, laptop, and iPad. SP Bhattarai informed that the stolen laptop was recovered from Shrestha's possession.
Khim Bahadur Khadka operates a sand depot in Shantinagar. Rajbahak used to work at that depot previously. He would give the stolen gold and silver to the depot owner. Investigation found that Khadka would sell the items and split the money equally.
Involved in 3 Thefts
Rajbahak, involved in the theft at Sah's house, was found to be involved in three theft incidents. He also worked as a painter and had worked at Khadka's depot for two months. He confessed to the police about stealing from Sah's rented room.
Records show that a case was filed against him in June 2072 BS (Bikram Sambat) from Kalimati for public offense and another in July 2072 BS from Maharajgunj for theft.
This specific news has been automatically translated by AI. As a result, there may be some inaccuracies or language errors.
