Crime and investigation challenges in Far West Nepal

Dhangadhi– A significant robbery occurred on the East-West highway in Malakheti forest, where 23 million 60 thousand Nepalese rupees and 200 US dollars destined for deposit at Nepal Rashtra Bank in Dhangadhi were stolen from a Nabil Bank branch.

Despite the daylight nature of the crime, police have yet to apprehend the culprits. Unresolved Cases – The region faces ongoing issues with unresolved cases.

The murder of Omprakash Pant in Dhangadhi on 25th Mangsir 2069 remains without justice, with the victim's family accusing the police of inadequate investigation. Additionally, the former regional head of the Public Service Commission, Navraj Choulagai, has been missing for years, and Deepak Khadka, a local dairy business owner, and his family are also unaccounted for.

Rising Crime Rates – Crime in the Far West is escalating, with 10,334 cases registered between 2078 and 2081. The number of unaddressed cases is also troubling: 322 in 2078, 1066 in 2079, and 1204 in 2080. The region’s law enforcement faces challenges with 626 absconding individuals, including 82 women, and a significant backlog in case hearings.

Police Performance Sudurpaschim Province's police performance is under scrutiny, with high numbers of absconding criminals and unresolved cases reflecting systemic issues in crime investigation and resolution. The region’s 20 prosecution units, 9 district police offices, and 11 local police offices struggle to manage the rising crime rates and case backlogs effectively.