By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Aug. 13 : The Metropolitan Police Range and Metropolitan Crime Division of Bhaktapur has arrested seven youths on Tuesday with leopard skin and a stolen motorcycle.
After receiving a tip-off regarding illegal trade of wildlife parts, police had raided a house in Ward 8 of Changunarayan Municipality at around 4pm on August 11.
“Acting on the tip-off was fruitful as we found a leopard skin while searching the house. Four people who rented some rooms in the house were arrested,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Dipak Giri, information officer at Metropolitan Police Range, Bhaktapur.
Police arrested 18-year-old Himal Lama, 21-year-old Pasang Tamang, 19-year-old Kumar Lama and 17-year-old Phusang Tamang from Sudal, an area in Ward 8. All the four hail from Ward 5 of Sunapati Gaunpalika in Ramechhap district.
After the four individuals were interrogated by the police regarding the leopard skin and other individuals involved, they gave out three names.
A team of police then rushed towards Darjeeling Height, a place in Ward 8 of Suryabinayak Municipality, and arrested the three. Sanjeev Sinjali Magar, 22, Dipesh Tamang, 24, and Milan Magar, 23, were arrested.
The three individuals arrested later were permanent residents of Roshi Gaunpalika in Kavrepalanchok district.
Police also confiscated a stolen motorcycle (Pulsar 220 with vehicle registration number Baa 90 Pa 6510) and four other motorcycles.
“All the individuals have been involved in trafficking of animal parts and stealing for some time. They might have had earlier been arrested or accused of other crimes due to which we are looking into it as well,” said Giri.
Nepal Police data shows that youths aged 16 to 25 years have been involved in majority of the crimes. All the seven arrested with leopard skin and a motorcycle were aged between 17 to 24 years. “Handsome money in illegal work lures youths who have various recreational wishes to fulfil.
Police generates awareness in the society by coordinating with the locals but it is the responsibility of the society to properly supervise and advise the youths,” said Giri.
As per Bhaktapur Police, all seven individuals have been sent to the District Forest Office in Bhaktapur for further legal procedures.