POKHARA, April 23: Pokhara police have arrested 122 individuals during a nearly 10-hour-long “sweep operation” aimed at curbing drug-related activities, hooliganism, and public disturbances.
According to the District Police Office, Kaski, the operation was carried out from 9 pm on Wednesday to 6 am on Thursday across both urban and rural areas. A team of around 100 personnel were mobilized from the district police office and its subordinate units for the coordinated action.
Police said those detained include individuals involved in drug trafficking and consumption, threatening the public as local gang members, engaging in disorderly conduct under the influence of alcohol, and moving suspiciously at night. Legal action has been initiated against them.
Acting Information Officer and Police Inspector Ganesh Pandey said the arrests were made on charges of creating fear and disrupting social harmony. The detainees were picked up from multiple areas within Pokhara Metropolitan City and nearby local units.
Three dozen arrested in police's sweep operation
Nine individuals were arrested from areas including Kaseri, Baglung Bus Park, Bhairav Tole, Mahendrapul, Lovely Danda, and Prasyang in wards 1 to 5. The highest number—35—were detained from the tourist hub areas of Lakeside, Damside, and Gairako Chautara in Ward 6.
Similarly, six people were arrested from Bagale Tole, Sabhagriha Chowk, and Shivalaya Chowk in Ward 8. A total of 20 were detained from Prithvi Chowk, Rangashala, Buddha Chowk, and Hospital Chowk in wards 9 and 10.
Eight individuals were taken into custody from Tulsighat, Shitaladevi, Kahudanda, and Kahukhola in wards 11, 12, and 13. Another 15 were arrested from Airport, Phulbari, Khasibazaar, and Rambazaar in wards 14 and 15.
Police also detained two individuals each from Batulechaur and Lamachaur, as well as from Chisapani and Methlang. Six people were arrested from Dipangtal and Rithepani in wards 27 and 28. Twelve were taken into custody from Bhandardhik, Sainik Basti, Patneri, and Tawamukh in wards 29 and 30, while three were arrested from Rajachautara and Lameahal dumping site in Ward 32.
Outside Pokhara, three individuals were arrested from Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality and one from Annapurna Rural Municipality–1, Naudanda.
Inspector Pandey said such sweep operations will continue. “Anyone involved in activities that disturb public order—be it drug abuse, hooliganism, alcohol-fueled disturbances, or noise pollution through modified vehicles—will be brought under legal action,” he said.
Police have said investigations and legal procedures against those arrested are underway, adding that such actions are part of efforts to maintain a safe and orderly society.
