Kathmandu — A gang led by Binay Tamang, which had been carrying out a series of midnight robberies in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, has been arrested after police were forced to open fire during an operation in Mulpani.
Over the past three months, police units across Kathmandu had been receiving a growing number of daily complaints related to snatching and looting incidents. Concerned by the surge, the District Police Range, Kathmandu launched a special campaign named ‘Operation Snatching’ to curb the crime wave and restore public safety.
As part of the operation, police increased surveillance and set up checkpoints in identified risk areas. Late Wednesday night, police managed to bring the gang under control in Mulpani after the suspects attempted to attack officers during a checkpoint inspection near the Mulpani Cricket Ground. Police fired shots to restrain the group.
At a press conference on Thursday, Kathmandu Police made public the identities of 10 arrested individuals along with the seized materials. Those arrested include 23-year-old gang leader Binay Tamang, Salon Tamang (20), Rajiv Bhandari (18), Pema Tamang (29), Ayan Majhi (24), Sabin Majhi (32), Manish Rasaili (23), Bishal Tamang (22), Bidur Bishwakarma (28), and Phurba Tamang (29). They hail from Kavrepalanchok, Sindhuli, Morang, Ramechhap, Khotang, and Sindhupalchok districts.
Police recovered one car, one taxi, and six motorcycles from the group. The operation to arrest them was carried out between 6 pm Wednesday and 3 am Thursday, based primarily on CCTV footage analysis.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa said investigations revealed that the gang targeted men and women between midnight and 4 am, looting gold ornaments and cash after assaulting victims. The group typically operated in teams of three using motorcycles. During the day, some members worked as taxi drivers and conducted reconnaissance, regrouping at night before carrying out robberies.
Police said the gang would resume normal daily activities after the crimes, using taxis and private vehicles to avoid suspicion. Investigations further revealed that Binay Tamang had escaped police custody during the Genji movement and later reorganised the gang.
According to police records, the gang carried out seven robberies in Swayambhu, three each in Budhanilkantha, Boudha, Gaushala, and Thimi in Bhaktapur. One gang member who sustained gunshot injuries during the arrest is currently undergoing treatment.
SSP Thapa stated that most of the arrested individuals have prior criminal records. Binay Tamang was previously involved in theft in 2079 BS and robbery in 2082 BS, while a robbery case had been registered against Ayan Majhi at the Bhaktapur Police Complex in Poush 2079 BS. To evade identification, the gang often smeared mud on motorcycle number plates during robberies.
