16th September 2025, Kathmandu
In an unprecedented move, Nepal Telecom (NTC) has issued a “Return Recharge Request” (RRR) to the public, appealing for the return of a massive haul of recharge cards stolen from its Provincial Directorate Office in Pokhara.
NTC Stolen Recharge Cards
The state-owned telecommunications giant has confirmed that a total of 70,200 recharge cards, with an estimated market value of Rs. 71 lakh (7,100,000), were stolen during the recent Gen Z protests that swept through the city.
The theft, which occurred amidst widespread demonstrations, has prompted a major internal investigation by NTC. The company has now turned to the public for cooperation, emphasizing the collective loss and the futility of holding onto the stolen goods.
The appeal, disseminated through various media channels, including a formal statement from the company’s headquarters in Kathmandu, marks a significant public relations effort to mitigate the damage.
“We have credible information that a large quantity of recharge cards was taken from our Pokhara office during the recent protest,” a senior NTC official stated in a press release.
“These cards are now in the hands of the public, and we want to make it clear that attempting to use them is pointless. We have a complete record of all the stolen serial numbers.”
The telecom company has issued a stern warning: all 70,200 stolen cards will be permanently blacklisted and blocked from the system. This means that even if someone manages to scratch and activate a card, the recharge will not be credited to their account.
The company’s advanced security protocols are capable of identifying and deactivating the entire batch of stolen stock, rendering them nothing more than worthless pieces of cardboard.
NTC has urged anyone in possession of these stolen cards to bring them to the nearest Nepal Telecom office or any local police station. The company has assured that no punitive action will be taken against individuals who willingly return the cards, framing the request as a matter of civic duty and cooperation.
“This is not about punishment; it’s about recovering stolen national assets and preventing further loss for everyone,” the official added.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of physical assets during periods of civil unrest. While the primary focus of the Gen Z protests was on national policy and social issues, the Pokhara theft appears to have been an act of opportunism.
The loss of such a large number of recharge cards not only represents a significant financial hit for NTC but also poses a logistical challenge in their supply chain management.
For citizens who may have unknowingly purchased these stolen cards from unauthorized vendors, the situation is particularly frustrating.
NTC has advised the public to only purchase recharge cards from authorized vendors, NTC’s own offices, or through official digital channels to avoid such scams. This incident serves as a crucial reminder for consumers to be vigilant about where they buy their telecommunications products.
The “Return Recharge Request” (RRR) is a unique and proactive measure from Nepal Telecom. It aims to not only recover the stolen goods but also to raise public awareness about the consequences of using illegal products.
As NTC works with law enforcement to track down those responsible for the theft, the success of the RRR initiative will largely depend on public honesty and cooperation.
The telecommunications giant remains hopeful that the spirit of community and good faith will prevail, leading to the recovery of a significant portion of the stolen property. This is a developing story, and ICTFrame will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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