Kathmandu tightens security ahead of festivals, overnight sweep operation held

As the festival season approaches, Nepal Police has implemented a special security plan in Kathmandu.

Under a plan prepared by the District Police Range, Kathmandu after analyzing security challenges, more than 3,500 police personnel will be mobilized. Police said the plan identifies risks such as pickpocketing, theft, robbery, gambling, abduction, human trafficking, foreign currency fraud and the mixing of intoxicants into beverages.

Religious and cultural sites, food grain and goat markets, bus parks, crowded public places, offices, banks and financial institutions, shopping malls and jewelry shops have been designated as areas requiring security.

Alongside the plan, police conducted a sweep operation at various locations in Kathmandu from Thursday evening until 6 am Friday. Range spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Dan Bahadur Thapa said 250 people were taken into control during the operation, including 227 men and 23 women.

Police said those arrested had criminal backgrounds, were repeat offenders, or had disturbed public peace. The action was carried out under the Safe Kathmandu campaign. Police said such operations are conducted periodically by mobilizing all subordinate units without prior notice, and have urged the public to immediately report any fugitives they spot.