Accused Prem Tharu Faces Two Separate Cases for Large-Scale Theft in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU. Two separate cases have been filed against accused Prem Tharu in the Kathmandu District Court for stealing a large amount of valuables in a series of incidents in various places in Kathmandu.

As Tharu was directly involved in two major thefts in Boudha and Bhotubahal in Kathmandu, the District Government Attorney's Office has filed a charge sheet against him in a theft (burglary) case. The police have also proceeded with a case for the offense of money laundering. The investigation against him has been completed and the report has been filed in the District Court through the District Government Attorney's Office, Kathmandu.

The police have filed a case against Tharu for theft as well as money laundering.

The District Government Attorney's Office has sought the maximum penalty against Tharu in both cases under Section 243 (burglary) of the Muluki Criminal Code, 2074. Furthermore, as he has been identified as a professional and serial thief, an additional penalty has also been sought under Section 44. It has also been revealed that Tharu has been using fake names and identities such as 'Supreme Bikram Chaudhary' and 'Saurabh Chaudhary' to deceive the police and victims. 

Tharu had stolen valuables worth approximately 16 million rupees, including 8 million rupees from the house of Tenjing Dolma Nepali in Boudha, Kathmandu, and 8 million rupees from the house of Ram Kumar Pandit in Bhotubahal. He used to melt and sell the stolen gold jewelry in various cities in India.

The case of money laundering has been attracted as he tried to legitimize the income earned from illegal theft by purchasing houses, land, vehicles, and through bank accounts. The charge sheet states, 'As the accused has earned income from stolen valuables and acquired assets including houses, land, and vehicles, he should be prosecuted accordingly for the offense related to money laundering.'

As it was found that he had purchased houses, vehicles, and land unusually with the stolen money, action has been initiated against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2064. According to the investigation by the police and the District Government Attorney's Office, Tharu, who has been operating a theft racket in Kathmandu for the past few years, has been found to be leading a luxurious life with the money from theft.