Rautahat district in Madhesh Province reported 96 criminal incidents in Ashoj, with 17 classified as serious, according to the District Police Office, Rautahat. Law enforcement is pursuing Rs 5,881,150 in fines from individuals arrested during this period.
District Police Chief SP Sitaram Rijal stated that the incidents in Ashoj included eight cases related to murder, 10 to suicide, 16 to theft, 23 to organised and economic crimes, 16 to social crimes, eight to women and children, six to vehicular manslaughter, and nine other types of cases. During the same period, the District Administration Office and other bodies received 389 informal complaints. Of these, 342 were resolved through discussion, while 47 remain under process. Additionally, 55 complaints related to women, children, and senior citizens were filed, with most already resolved.
Arrests and recoveries
During Ashoj, police arrested 59 defendants in ongoing cases and an additional 54 individuals in connection with the enforcement of court judgments, bringing the total arrests to 113. These arrests are linked to sentences totalling eight years, three months, and 20 days in prison, along with the aforementioned fines.
In drug-related operations, police registered four cases and arrested five individuals. They seized five kilograms and 165 grams of cannabis, 147 ampoules of various intoxicating injections, and 346 tablets of controlled substances. In a separate incident, an Indian national was apprehended in Patel Chowk, Paroha Municipality-8, with a 12-bore homemade pistol, and an investigation is underway.
Efforts to control revenue leakage and customs evasion led to the seizure of goods worth Rs 1,488,545. Six smugglers were arrested, and three vehicles used in smuggling were confiscated. In forest resource control, 81 cubic feet of timber and a vehicle were seized, leading to three arrests.
Police also arrested three individuals accused of stealing money by misusing citizens’ mobile banking details. Additionally, 23 lost or stolen mobile phones were recovered and returned to their owners.
Accidents and disaster response
Rautahat experienced 68 road accidents in Ashoj, resulting in seven fatalities and 93 injuries. District Traffic Police Chief Inspector Rajendra Thapamagar reported that 674 vehicles were penalised for traffic rule violations, collecting Rs 714,500 in fines. Inspector Thapamagar noted that 43 accidents were caused by drivers, 23 by pedestrians, and two by other factors.
The district also faced 27 disaster-related incidents, which led to four deaths and seven injuries. These incidents, including fires, windstorms, and livestock damage, caused an estimated loss of Rs 5,922,778.
Festival security and ongoing investigations
In preparation for the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals, a special security plan has been implemented, deploying 890 police personnel across the district. The police also conducted 88 community-focused awareness programs, benefiting 1,675 individuals.
Investigations are ongoing into 28 complaints related to usury and illicit lending practices. The District Police Office, Rautahat, spokesperson DSP Basanta Gautam stated that police activities are prioritising crime control, apprehension of absconding defendants, enforcement of judgments, and maintaining peace and security.
