Aug 02, Kathmandu - Police have arrested the Karma Group in connection with a series of robberies across Kathmandu and Kavre districts. The group’s five members, involved in multiple thefts and criminal activities, were publicly identified by the Kathmandu District Police Office on Thursday.

Among those detained is 34-year-old Karma Tamang of Sindhupalchok, who, according to SSP Dilip Ghimire, is the mastermind behind the criminal operations. Tamang has been implicated in nine cases so far in 2023.

Tamang had previously escaped from police custody on Bhadra 24 last year, from the custody of Swayambhu police. Following his escape, he allegedly engaged in theft, robbery, and even attempted murder, SSP Ghimire revealed.

In connection with the same incidents, Kavre residents Pritiman Gole, Pasang Ghisang, Ale Gurung, and Manoj Tamang were also apprehended. Manoj Tamang is identified as a gold trader involved in the robberies.

Pritiman Gole was responsible for riding motorcycles used in the robberies and had also escaped custody on August 24 after being involved in theft and extortion cases. He was later re-arrested, paid his court-mandated fines, and released. Two cases are registered against him.

Pasang Ghising provided motorcycles for the group, with four cases filed against him.

SSP Ghimire stated that Karma’s group has been involved in at least four recent incidents, including:

• Shrawan 7: Robbery of a one-tola (about 11 grams) gold necklace from a 66-year-old woman at Dhapasi Height Mandir.
• Asadha 15: Robbery of a three-tola gold necklace near Narephath, Kathmandu-32.
• Same night: Robbery of one tola (about 11 grams) of red gold from an individual near Dhulikhel.
• Asadha 13: Robbery of a 2.5-tola gold necklace from a woman heading to a vegetable shop in Shantinagar.

Following these incidents, police intensified their investigation, leading to the identification and arrest of four individuals from Banepa. The group was believed to have fled Kathmandu after committing the robberies.

Police caught Karma Tamang last night near Chunikhel Gamchha of Budanilkantha Municipality-13 while he was attempting to attack officers with a khukuri (traditional Nepali knife). During the arrest, police fired two rounds of warning shots, and when he did not stop, they shot him once in the leg. He is currently receiving treatment at the National Trauma Center.