Kathmandu/Dhading: A bizarre theft case has emerged from flood-hit Nepal, where a bank safe swept away by raging floodwaters was later found along the Trishuli River. Police have detained 29 people after allegedly recovering NPR 92,68,505 — around ₹57 lakh — from their possession.
The incident came to light amid the ongoing devastation caused by severe floods across Nepal, with rescue and recovery operations continuing in several affected areas.
Bank Safe Swept Away by Floodwaters
According to police, the safe was carried away from the Bhotekoshi area of Rasuwa district during the floods. It was subsequently discovered near Belkhukhola in Galchhi Rural Municipality-4, Dhading, along the Trishuli River.
The safe was reportedly found on August 26. Police received information two days later that some local residents had allegedly broken it open and removed cash from inside.
Following the information, Dhading police launched an investigation and sent a team to the area.
29 People Detained
During the preliminary investigation, police detained 29 people and recovered NPR 92,68,505 from their possession, an amount equivalent to approximately ₹57 lakh. The detainees are reportedly between 19 and 49 years old.
Most of those detained are residents of Mastar in Galchhi-4. Others reportedly come from Adamghat in Galchhi-6 and Adamtar in Siddhalek-7. Some are originally from Chitwan and Parsa but currently reside in Dhading.
Police are now investigating how the money came into the possession of the suspects and whether additional people were involved.
Investigation Into Missing Cash Continues
Authorities are examining the recovered money as part of the investigation. Police are also trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the opening of the safe and determine whether the entire amount originally stored inside has been recovered.
The case has drawn attention because the alleged theft occurred in the middle of a major natural disaster, when authorities and residents are still dealing with widespread destruction and displacement.
Another Theft Case Involving Flood Victim
The safe incident is not the only alleged theft case reported from Nepal’s flood-hit areas.
Police have also arrested two people in connection with the alleged theft of gold earrings from the body of a flood victim who was swept downstream in the Narayani River. The arrests reportedly followed the circulation of a video showing the alleged act.
Nepal Flood Crisis Deepens
Meanwhile, Nepal’s disaster authorities have sharply revised the toll from the devastating floods. As of Saturday, the country had reported 626 confirmed deaths and 2,426 people missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
The number of missing people increased substantially from the previous day’s figure, while 517 foreign nationals were still reported missing.
Search and rescue teams continue to operate in affected areas as authorities struggle with damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
Key Points
- A bank safe was swept away from Nepal’s Bhotekoshi area during floods.
- The safe was later found near the Trishuli River in Dhading.
- Police detained 29 people over alleged cash theft.
- NPR 92,68,505, approximately ₹57 lakh, was recovered.
- The detainees are aged between 19 and 49.
- Police are investigating whether more people were involved.
- Nepal’s flood death toll has risen to 626, with 2,426 people missing.
