Five Charged for Vandalism and Theft at Sambhav Sirohiya’s Home

A case has been filed in the Kathmandu District Court against five individuals accused of vandalism, arson, and looting at the residence of Sambhav Sirohiya in Mandikhatar, Kathmandu. Police investigations revealed that on September 9, an unruly group, under the pretext of the 'Gen Z Movement,' entered Sirohiya’s residence and caused damages worth approximately 14 crore 64  lakh rupees. 

The District Government Attorney's Office has filed the case against Sujan Dangol, Bibek Thapa, Gopal Thapa, Prajwal Rogu, and Rozis Ghimire for offenses related to 'criminal nuisance and theft.'

The accused looted 35 tolas of gold, 31 kg of silver coins, laptops, cameras, and expensive furniture from Sirohiya’s house. Additionally, they completely destroyed luxury vehicles parked in the compound, including a Land Rover Discovery, a Jaguar, and a Hyundai, by setting them on fire.

During a search of the suspects' rooms, police recovered silver coins inscribed with 'Kantipur,' historical coins marked with 'Edward VII,' and other jewelry of archaeological importance. Based on the statement of accused Vivek Thapa, police also arrested Rozis Ghimire, a gold and silver trader who allegedly purchased the looted silver and melted it down to make chains. 

The group involved in the looting initially handed over 18 kg of silver coins to the police through the Chakrapath Youth Club after failing to hide them, while concealing the remaining items in their respective rented rooms.

The Government Attorney's Office has sought a claim of up to 8 years in prison and a fine of up to 80,000 rupees for the four main accused under the charges of criminal nuisance and theft. For Rozis Ghimire, who purchased the stolen goods, a sentence of 3 years in prison and a fine of 30,000 rupees has been requested. 

This planned looting and arson, carried out under the guise of a movement, has raised serious questions regarding the security system.