Kathmandu — Police have recovered approximately Rs 18 million and taken into custody a Sumo vehicle along with its driver in connection with the robbery at the SBI Bank branch in Hayutar, Bastipur, Ghyanglekh Rural Municipality–2, Sindhuli.
According to the District Police Office, Sindhuli, a group of five to six individuals entered the bank at around 8:40 pm on Poush 29 and carried out the robbery. The robbers first overpowered the on-duty security guard, Rudra Bahadur Karki, attacking him with a khukuri, which caused minor injuries. They then took control of bank employees, looted the cash, and fled the scene.
Rs 31.95 Million Looted, Rs 18.1 Million Recovered
Preliminary investigations show that the robbers looted Rs 31 million 95 thousand 283 from the bank. During a subsequent search operation, the police recovered Rs 18 million 10 thousand 500 in cash, officials said.
Police have seized a Sumo jeep (registration number BAD 0398), which was reportedly reserved from Banepa and used by the robbery group. The driver, Bhawat Singh Thapa, has been taken into custody and is currently being questioned.
Earlier, SP Laldhwaj Subedi, Chief of the District Police Office, Sindhuli, had confirmed that police teams were immediately mobilized following the incident and that a suspected vehicle had been seized. The driver had initially claimed that the masked passengers had hired the vehicle to attend a wedding. Police, however, say the claim is under investigation.
Manhunt Continues
Police have stated that an intensive search operation and detailed investigation are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects and recover the rest of the looted money. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
