The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has issued a public notice calling on individuals involved in the theft of property from its head office in Babarmahal and other regional offices to return stolen items immediately. The appeal comes in the aftermath of widespread vandalism, arson, and looting that took place on September 9, during which both property and critical documents were damaged.
Widespread Vandalism and Looting
According to CAAN officials, the incident caused severe disruption to the authority’s operations, as its central office and several regional branches were targeted. Looters broke into office spaces, destroying infrastructure and setting fire to sensitive files. Items stolen include televisions, computers, microwaves, hard disks, scanners, printers, monitors, laptops, headsets, and furniture. The destruction and theft of these items have not only led to financial losses but have also threatened the smooth functioning of aviation services across the country.
Most alarming was the deliberate burning of important documents stored in the Babarmahal office. These files contained crucial records from multiple departments, which authorities say are vital for maintaining Nepal’s civil aviation systems, regulatory functions, and safety standards. The incident has sparked concerns among aviation experts regarding the long-term consequences for the industry.
CAAN’s Public Appeal
In a strongly worded public notice, CAAN urged those responsible for stealing property to voluntarily return the items. The authority emphasized that returning the stolen goods could help mitigate the severity of potential legal consequences. “We are actively identifying individuals involved through CCTV footage and other evidence. We urge all those who took part in looting and vandalism to immediately return the property,” the notice stated.
The authority has also appealed to the public for cooperation in identifying perpetrators and safeguarding any evidence that might support the ongoing investigation. Officials noted that failure to comply with the notice would result in strict legal action in accordance with existing laws.
Use of Technology in Investigation
To ensure accountability, CAAN has begun reviewing security camera footage from its head office and other offices across the country. The footage is being analyzed to identify individuals who participated in vandalism and theft. Sources inside the authority confirmed that names and images of suspects may be handed over to law enforcement agencies in the coming days.
Law enforcement authorities are already collaborating with CAAN in gathering intelligence. Officials stated that cases of vandalism involving public property are treated with high priority, and those guilty of destroying or stealing assets face severe punishment under Nepali law.
Concerns Over Security of Critical Infrastructure
The incident has raised broader concerns about the vulnerability of Nepal’s aviation infrastructure. CAAN plays a central role in managing and regulating aviation operations, including safety oversight, airport management, and international coordination. The loss of equipment and documents not only disrupts daily work but also undermines confidence in Nepal’s ability to safeguard critical facilities.
Observers have warned that such incidents could damage Nepal’s international reputation, especially as the country works to improve aviation safety standards to align with global requirements. Past shortcomings in oversight have led to restrictions by international aviation bodies, and incidents like these may further complicate ongoing efforts.
Call for Cooperation and Accountability
CAAN has stressed the importance of cooperation from the public and stakeholders in restoring normalcy. The authority has requested local communities to provide information about stolen items or suspicious activities connected to the incident. Officials believe that recovery of stolen property is possible with active collaboration between the public, law enforcement agencies, and aviation staff.
Furthermore, the authority highlighted that the vandalism and arson were not just attacks on property but also an assault on critical national infrastructure. The destruction of records, equipment, and facilities directly impacts Nepal’s aviation sector, which is vital for tourism, trade, and connectivity.
Legal Action on the Horizon
While CAAN has given individuals an opportunity to return the stolen goods voluntarily, officials have made it clear that legal proceedings will begin soon if compliance is not observed. “The law provides clear penalties for destruction of public property, and we will ensure that justice is delivered,” a senior CAAN official said.
The authority has also indicated that it will demand compensation for damages caused during the incident. This may include both the replacement value of stolen property and the costs associated with restoring damaged infrastructure and systems.
Moving Forward: Strengthening Security
In response to the incident, CAAN is now considering measures to strengthen security at its offices nationwide. Discussions are underway regarding the installation of advanced surveillance systems, reinforced security personnel deployment, and better coordination with local law enforcement. Aviation analysts suggest that the government should treat the September 9 incident as a wake-up call to protect critical infrastructure. They stress that aviation is one of the country’s most vital sectors, and its institutions must be safeguarded against future attacks.
The September 9 vandalism and looting incident at CAAN’s headquarters has caused significant damage to Nepal’s aviation sector, both materially and operationally. The loss of critical documents and essential equipment highlights vulnerabilities in security and preparedness. While CAAN’s immediate priority is to recover stolen property and identify perpetrators, the incident also calls for stronger long-term measures to protect vital national infrastructure.
By urging perpetrators to return stolen items and warning of legal consequences, CAAN has taken a firm stance on accountability. At the same time, it has appealed for public cooperation to ensure justice and recovery. The coming weeks will determine whether these efforts succeed in restoring order and confidence in Nepal’s civil aviation system.
