Five Individuals Arrested in Jhapa for Stealing Optical Fiber Cables
Police Arrest Five People
18th September, 2025
The District Police Office, Jhapa, has announced a significant arrest in the ongoing battle against infrastructure crime.
Police Arrest Five People
Police have apprehended five individuals in Mechinagar Municipality–5, Nakalbanda, while they were in the process of transporting five sacks of stolen optical fiber cables toward the Indian border.
This successful operation targets the growing problem of cable theft in the region. The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical telecommunications infrastructure and the need for heightened vigilance.
According to DSP Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, a patrol team from the Nakalbanda Area Police Office made the arrests on Wednesday (Ashoj 1).
The cables were being smuggled, and the suspects were stopped and taken into custody on suspicion of theft and smuggling. The prompt action by the police team prevented the stolen goods from being taken across the border.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
The police have officially identified the five individuals involved. The group includes two Indian nationals and three Nepali citizens from different districts. This suggests a cross-border network operating in the area.
The arrested individuals are:
- Kartik Adhikari, 24, from Panitanki, Darjeeling, India
- Rahul Adhikari, 34, from Panitanki, Darjeeling, India
- Bijay Rajbanshi, 25, from Buddhashanti Rural Municipality, Sheetalbasti, Jhapa
- Dinesh Pariyar, 27, from Mai Municipality–3, Jaubari, Ilam
- Sanjay Majhi, 42, from Kachankawal Rural Municipality–3, Dangibari, Jhapa
The involvement of foreign nationals indicates a sophisticated and organized criminal activity that extends beyond the borders of Nepal.
Consequences of Optical Fiber Cable Theft
The theft of optical fiber cables has severe consequences for the telecommunications sector and the public. These cables form the backbone of modern communication networks, carrying internet, telephone, and other data services.
When they are stolen or damaged, it causes widespread disruption to services, affecting homes, businesses, and essential public services.
For internet service providers and telecom companies, a single fiber cut can result in significant financial losses.
Repair and replacement costs are high, and the interruption of services leads to customer dissatisfaction and a loss of revenue. This kind of theft also discourages future investment in critical digital infrastructure.
Ongoing Police Investigation
DSP Khadka has confirmed that the investigation into the case is actively underway. The police are working to uncover the full extent of this smuggling operation and determine if more individuals are involved.
They will also investigate the intended destination of the stolen cables in India and identify potential buyers of the materials.
The police have seized the stolen cables and other equipment used by the culprits. The individuals are being held for questioning to gather more information about their activities and any larger network they might be part of.
The legal process will proceed as per the country’s laws concerning theft, smuggling, and damage to public and private infrastructure.
A Call for Public Vigilance
The authorities are urging the public to be more vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to public infrastructure. The incident in Jhapa serves as a stark reminder of the threats posed by such criminal enterprises. Community cooperation is essential in protecting the nation’s digital assets.
Reporting strange activity, particularly in remote areas or during odd hours, can help police prevent these crimes before they happen. Protecting these vital cables is not just the responsibility of law enforcement and telecom companies.
It requires a collective effort from the community to safeguard the connectivity that fuels modern life. This arrest is a positive step, but sustained effort is needed to curb this type of crime permanently. The quick response of the Nepal police force in this case is commendable and offers a strong message to potential criminals.
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