Two Ride-Sharing Drivers Arrested in Kathmandu For Harassing Female Passengers
Two Ride-Sharing Drivers Arrested in Kathmandu
30th June 2026, Kathmandu
In a swift move to ensure the safety of public commuters, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has apprehended two ride-sharing drivers.
Two Ride-Sharing Drivers Arrested
The individuals stand accused of tracking, stalking, and harassing female passengers through unsolicited phone calls and text messages after completion of their rides.
According to SP Naresh Subedi, the Information Officer for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, both suspects were taken into police custody from Lalitpur on Sunday. The operation highlights the increasing police scrutiny over the security protocols of app-based transport services operating within the valley.
Identification of the Accused and Platforms Involved
The arrested individuals have been identified as drivers registered under two prominent digital ride-sharing networks active in Nepal:
Ashish Bhandari (29): Originally from Sindhuli, currently residing in Lalitpur. He was operating a taxi affiliated with InDrive.
Naresh BK (24): Originally from Kailali, currently residing in Anamnagar, Kathmandu. He was operating a two-wheeler/four-wheeler affiliated with Yango.
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Disturbing Allegations Trigger Legal Action
According to statements from law enforcement authorities, the investigation began following complaints lodged by victims who experienced persistent digital harassment after using the ride services.
Misuse of Contact Information: The investigation revealed that Ashish Bhandari systematically retrieved phone numbers from his booking records to repeatedly contact women who had previously traveled in his taxi.
Safety Violations: Upon his arrest, police noted that Bhandari was operating his taxi with unauthorized dark windows (tinted glass), a direct violation of Valley traffic safety regulations.
Serious Misconduct Accusations: Most alarmingly, victims have leveled severe allegations against Bhandari, accusing him of intentionally forcing female passengers into alternative, unauthorized vehicles to be driven to undisclosed destinations.
Current Status and Legal Proceedings
“The safety of women utilizing public transport and ride-hailing applications remains our topmost priority. Misusing passenger database information for personal harassment will face strict legal prosecution.”
Following the preliminary arrest and profiling by the Traffic Police, both Bhandari and BK have been transferred to the District Police Range, Lalitpur. They remain under custody as investigative teams compile a comprehensive case file to initiate formal judicial proceedings under the prevailing cyber-harassment and public offense laws of Nepal.
Summary of Case Details
| Parameter | Case Analysis |
| Arresting Authority | Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office |
| Suspect 1 | Ashish Bhandari (29, Sindhuli / Lalitpur) — InDrive Driver |
| Suspect 2 | Naresh BK (24, Kailali / Anamnagar) — Yango Driver |
| Primary Charges | Harassment via digital communication, stalking, and passenger safety endangerment |
| Additional Violation | Operation of a public transport vehicle with unauthorized tinted windows |
| Current Custody | District Police Range, Lalitpur |
