Nabil Bank Robbery Cold Case Reopened: 2013 Kailali Heist Investigation Resumes
23rd June 2025, Kathmandu
Kailali police have resumed the investigation into a major bank robbery that took place 12 years ago. On December 10, 2013 (Mangsir 25, 2070 BS), five men disguised as traffic police stopped a vehicle transporting money.
Nabil Bank Robbery Cold Case
They stole NPR 23 million from the Nabil Bank branch in Malakheti. The cash was being carried from Mahendranagar to Dhangadhi. Despite multiple investigations, the robbers remain unidentified, and the stolen money has not been recovered.
Early Investigations Failed To Yield Results
Immediately after the robbery, police formed several teams, including the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), to track the culprits. However, none of the investigations led to arrests or significant clues. According to Kailali Provincial Police Office, the case has now been reopened. Authorities are reviewing previous investigation files and plan to re-interrogate suspects. This new effort aims to uncover fresh leads.
Security Setup During The Incident
At the time of the robbery, Nepal was not yet federalized. The country was divided into five development regions. The Far-Western Development Region, including Kailali, was administered from Dipayal. The Regional Police Office was based in Dhangadhi and oversaw security in the area. The office was headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police.
The Terai districts, including Kailali and Kanchanpur, were considered secure. The robbery in Malakheti shocked many, as the area was viewed as safe. After federalism was introduced, the Provincial Police Office remained in Dhangadhi, Kailali.
Case Remains Unsolved Despite Numerous Efforts
Several police teams have investigated the robbery over the years. Yet, the stolen amount remains missing. The robbers have not been identified or arrested. The CIB sent teams from Kathmandu but failed to find any leads. This unsolved case continues to be a major security concern in the district.
Renewed Probe Offers New Hope
Recently, Kailali police restarted the investigation. A police official involved in the case said, “We have resumed questioning individuals suspected in the robbery. We are using old files to guide this process.” The official added, “This time, we expect to find new evidence and make progress.”
The investigation team is applying fresh methods alongside past records. The goal is to resolve the case after all these years.
Significance Of The Case
This robbery is one of the most high-profile crimes in Kailali. It occurred in an area previously considered secure. The large sum stolen remains untraced. The case has affected confidence in law enforcement’s ability to tackle serious crimes.
Solving this case would help restore trust in local security. It would also send a strong message against crime in the region.
Next Steps
The investigation team continues to follow leads and interview suspects. Police have committed to intensifying their efforts. This renewed focus signals the authorities’ determination to solve cold cases and strengthen security in Kailali.
For more:- Nabil Bank Robbery Cold Case
