Nepal Police has arrested 13 individuals from Thamel area on charges of harassing, robbing, and coercing foreign tourists into illegal activities in Kathmandu’s tourist hub. The arrests were made by a special team deployed from the Lainchaur Police Circle following increasing complaints of misconduct targeting international visitors.
Police Crack Down on Tourist Harassment in Thamel
According to police, the group had been involved in unnecessary harassment, theft, robbery, and forceful involvement of tourists in sexual activities. Acting on surveillance and field intelligence, the police conducted an overnight operation in the Thamel area, detaining the suspects and presenting them publicly on Tuesday.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Range, stated that the arrests were made to ensure the safety of both domestic and foreign tourists. “These individuals were causing significant distress to visitors in Thamel. Their actions threatened the image of Nepal as a safe tourism destination,” SP Bhattarai said.
List of Suspects Arrested
The arrested individuals come from various districts across the country. They are:
- Badal Tamang (19), Kavre
- Ganesh Nath (22), Bajura
- Bishal Thapa Magar (24), Tanahu
- Ganesh Tamang (20), Sindhuli
- Sagar Magar (19), Sarlahi
- Ramesh Chhetri (22), Sunsari
- Bishal Nepali (19), Dolakha
- Milan Nepali (21), Ramechhap
- Abhishek Thapa (23), Banke
- Sanjaya Lama (22), Kavre
- Pratima Dangi (20), Dang
- Pramila Pun Magar (21), Dang
Police officials said that the group operated in clusters, targeting foreign tourists wandering around Thamel’s busy streets, popular nightspots, and guesthouse areas.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The Kathmandu District Administration Office has approved a four-day extension for police to continue their investigation. The suspects are currently being investigated under the charges of public indecency, harassment, and theft, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage, tourist statements, and digital evidence.
Police officials have indicated that the investigation may expand further if links to larger organized groups or criminal networks are discovered. Officers are also coordinating with tourist police units to gather more information from affected foreign nationals.
Ensuring Safety in Nepal’s Major Tourist Hub
Thamel, one of the busiest tourist hubs in Nepal, sees thousands of foreign visitors daily. Incidents of harassment and illegal activities not only harm visitors but also negatively impact Nepal’s international reputation.
SP Bhattarai emphasized that Nepal Police has intensified patrols and surveillance in tourist-heavy zones. “We are committed to maintaining Thamel as a safe and welcoming destination. Any activity that threatens tourist safety will be dealt with strictly,” he added. Authorities urge tourists to contact the Tourist Police or nearby police stations immediately if they experience harassment, scams, or unsafe incidents.
Reinforcing Nepal’s Tourism-Friendly Image
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the police action, stating that timely enforcement is essential as Nepal prepares for the upcoming peak travel season. With increasing tourist arrivals after the pandemic recovery, ensuring safety and security in key destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan remains crucial. The police reaffirmed that frequent operations will continue in Thamel and surrounding areas to deter crime and protect both visitors and local businesses.
