Nine individuals, including four Indian nationals, have been arrested in connection with the theft of multiple electricity transformers installed for agricultural use across various locations in Sarlahi district. The Sarlahi District Police Office made the arrests public during a press conference held in Malangwa on Wednesday.
According to police, 17 transformers had been stolen from areas including Bagmati, Raniganj, and Chandranagar. Under a special operation named “Operation Charlie,” police arrested the suspects from Mahottari, Bara, Parsa, and other locations, said Sarlahi Police Chief SP Yogendra Kumar Khadka.
Those arrested include:
- Durga Adhikari (28) of Maijogmai-4, Ilam
- Sonam Lama (42) of Pakhardanda-1, Sindhupalchok
- Budhe Majhi (53) of Bardibas-3, Mahottari
- Dilip Kumar Ojha (33) of Birgunj-16, Parsa
- Krishna Srivastav (39) of Jitpur Simara-6, Bara
- Indian nationals Sukhadi Sahani (50), Saroj Kumar Sahani (20), Moh. Rayajul (55), and Sanjit Padarth (35)
Police recovered 103.8 kg of copper wire, 51 tools used for the theft, and two e-rickshaws from the suspects.
Investigators found that Indian national Sukhadi Sahani collaborated with Durga Adhikari, Sonam Lama, and Budhe Majhi to gather information about transformers located in isolated areas. The stolen copper wires were reportedly sold to scrap dealers in Birgunj.
Police also revealed that Krishna Srivastav of Bara owns Gadhimai Metal Pvt. Ltd., which was involved in melting the stolen copper to manufacture and sell metal utensils.
Several of the suspects already have criminal records. Sonam Lama has four cases related to theft and robbery, while Budhe Majhi has four cases including attempted murder, robbery, and indecent behavior registered against him.
Police stated that further investigation into the case is underway
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