KATHMANDU, Jan 23: All detainees of the Juvenile Correction Centre in Sano Thimi, Bhaktapur, have been relocated to child monitoring units at police stations across Kathmandu and Bhaktapur districts following violent clashes that led to arson and vandalism of the facility.
Police said the detainees were moved after a scuffle between two gangs late Thursday night escalated into violence, rendering the correction centre uninhabitable.
According to Bhaktapur District Police Chief SP Surya Bahadur Khadka, the violence began around 9:45 pm, leaving eight juvenile detainees and 20 police personnel injured. Seven injured police officers have been discharged after treatment at the Nepal–Korea Friendship Municipality Hospital, while one remains under medical care. Other injured inmates after receiving treatment at nearby Korea-Nepal Friendship Hospital are now under police watch.
Home Minister Aryal orders swift transfer of juvenile offenders...
Police said the clash broke out between two gangs inside the correction centre in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality–2 and quickly turned into vandalism and arson. “Two gangs led by adult inmates started the clash over internal issues, which soon escalated into a violent confrontation. Parts of the facility were set on fire,” SP Khadka said.
The juvenile correction centre is operated by the non-governmental organisation Underprivileged Children’s Educational Programs Nepal (UCEP-Nepal). Police personnels, firearms and batons are not permitted inside the premises. “The aggressive group set fire to the centre and pelted stones, making it impossible for unarmed police personnel guarding the gate to control the situation,” Khadka added.
A police team led by Thimi Police Circle Inspector Nawaraj Dhungana was later deployed but also faced stone pelting from inside the centre. As the situation worsened, around 50 Armed Police Force personnel were mobilized. Fire engines from Bhaktapur and Kathmandu brought the fire under control by midnight. Although the situation is now under control, heavy security remains in place.
A similar incident occurred at the same correction centre on August 21, 2023, when 221 inmates escaped following clashes with police triggered by the death of a fellow inmate. Several escapees were seen roaming nearby areas carrying iron rods and wooden sticks, creating panic among residents.
The correction centre currently house 169 juvenile detainees, including around 84 individuals above the age of 18. Of the total inmates, 24 are girls. Police said the full extent of damage caused by the arson and vandalism is still being assessed.
Police acknowledged that the lack of separate facilities for inmates above 18 years of age has contributed to repeated problems. Many detainees continue to stay at juvenile correction centres even after crossing the legal age limit. “Thursday’s violence was also led by gang leaders who are around 25 years old. They intimidate younger inmates and form groups, which often leads to unrest,” SP Khadka said.
The government is considering transferring adult inmates to separate prisons. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal recently inaugurated such a facility in Gorkha, though it has yet to become operational.
