Armed Robbery at Nepal SBI Bank in Sindhuli: Four Arrested, Over NPR 180 Million Recovered

Sindhuli:
An armed group carried out a robbery at the Nepal SBI Bank branch located in Ghyanglekh Rural Municipality–2, Bastipur–Hayutar, on Tuesday night. Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the incident and recovered a significant portion of the stolen cash.

According to the District Police Office, Sindhuli, the robbery occurred at around 8:40 PM when a group of five to six masked individuals entered the bank premises. The assailants overpowered the security guard, Rudra Bahadur Karki, injuring him with a khukuri, and took bank staff under control before looting the cash vault.

Police stated that the robbers fled with NPR 310,95,283 (over NPR 31 million). However, while escaping, the suspects dropped a bag containing cash after locals raised an alarm. During subsequent searches within a 2–3 kilometer radius of the incident site, police recovered additional cash.

As of now, NPR 180,10,500 (over NPR 18 million) has been recovered from various locations with the help of local residents, confirmed SP Lal Dhwaj Subedi, Chief of the District Police Office, Sindhuli.

Vehicle and Driver Detained

Police have also taken into custody a Tata Sumo jeep (Ba.Di. 0398) believed to have been used in the robbery, along with its driver, Bhavat Singh Thapa. During preliminary questioning, the driver claimed that the vehicle had been reserved under the pretext of eloping a girl. Police are investigating the credibility of this statement and the driver’s possible involvement.

Four Suspects Arrested

Later on Tuesday night, police arrested four individuals involved in the robbery from Ghyanglekh Rural Municipality–1, Sukachuri area, with assistance from local residents. Authorities said further details regarding the arrested suspects are being verified.

Investigation Ongoing

Police have intensified the search for the remaining suspects who are still at large. Investigations are underway to determine the full network involved, recover the remaining stolen amount, and assess security lapses at the bank branch.

The incident has raised concerns over bank security in rural and semi-urban areas, prompting calls for stronger safety measures and coordination between banks and local law enforcement agencies.