Nepal floods wash cash box down river, locals break it open and steal Rs 58 lakh

Even as devastating floods tore through Nepal, a group of people allegedly broke open a safe swept down the Trishuli River and took the cash inside. Police have now detained 29 people and recovered more than 92 lakh Nepalese rupees, according to Khoj Samachar.

The amount is roughly equivalent to Rs 58 lakh in Indian currency.

The safe was found at Belkhukhola in Dhading district after being carried downstream from flood-hit Rasuwa. Police said local residents allegedly broke it open and took the cash before security personnel reached the area.

A joint team of Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force subsequently detained 29 suspects. More than 92 lakh Nepalese rupees were recovered from them during the investigation.

According to Nepal News, all 29 suspects are being held at the District Police Office in Dhading. Further investigation and legal proceedings are underway.

Police have yet to determine how much money was originally inside the safe. They are also trying to establish its ownership, the source of the cash and whether others took some of the money before authorities secured the area.

Police have not ruled out the possibility that part of the cash remains unaccounted for. Security agencies have also stepped up patrols in flood-affected areas to prevent theft and looting of public, commercial and private property.

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