29 people arrested for looting safe after devastating floods in Nepal
The tragedy that Nepal is going through after the recent floods has left regrettable episodes of opportunism. Local police reported this Saturday the arrest of 29 people in the town of Galchhi, Dhading district, accused of forcing open a safe that was swept away by the current during the violent flash flood last Wednesday.
According to the official report, the metal container traveled more than 150 kilometers from the upper area of Rasuwa, propelled by the force of the water, until it was intercepted by residents in Galchhi. Upon finding the box, which contained approximately 9.2 million Nepalese rupees (about 60,000 dollars), the suspects proceeded to break it open to extract the cash.
After receiving information that local residents had forced open a safe to arbitrarily steal cash from inside, a police contingent was immediately deployed to the scene.
Official statement from the Nepal Police
Legal actions and context of insecurity
During the operation, the authorities managed to recover a large part of the money and arrested 29 men, whose ages range between 19 and 49 years old. This incident adds to other criminal acts reported recently, including the arrest of two individuals in the Chitwan district, who were caught stealing jewelry from a body washed away by the waters, an event that caused great indignation on social media.
Currently, a judicial investigation remains open to determine the precise origin of the safe and to verify if there are more individuals involved in the looting of goods lost during the natural disaster.
Victim toll and rescue efforts
The situation in the Bhote Koshi basin remains critical. The combined death toll between Nepal and China has risen to 682 people, following the recovery of 675 bodies in Nepalese territory and 7 in the Tibet area. Rescue efforts continue under pressure, as burial processes begin for the victims who have not yet been identified.
- Missing: A figure close to 3,000 citizens is estimated in both countries.
- Official figures: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) counts 2,418 people cut off or missing, including hydroelectric project workers and foreign citizens.
- Current situation: The risk of the reservoir formed by the mud overflowing has decreased considerably, allowing emergency teams to continue working against the clock.
