The arrested cops, who were posted to various checkpoints in Rupandehi, Kapilbastu and Nawalparasi districts, were brought to Pokhara for investigations on Monday.[break]
Deputy Inspector General at the Regional Police Office, Ramesh Shekhar Bajracharya, informed that eight of the arrested have been released after preliminary investigations and the rest are being kept for further questioning.
“We were tipped off about their involvement by our sources and we are fully aware of the rampant smuggling activities at checkpoints in the Terai,” said Bajracharya. “After the arrests we have strengthened border security and placed it on high alert,” he added.
Among the arrested policemen, 10 are from Kapilbastu, eight from Nawalparasi and six from Rupandehi.
“The remaining 16 policemen are under interrogation procedures and we have not reached a point where we can convict them,” said Bajracharya.
The investigation that led to the arrests was led by Bajracharya himself
The policemen are being kept under surveillance at the Armed Police Battalion office in Pokhara, he informed.
“The law excuses no one, including policemen. It is mandatory that they stay under disciple and never abuse the power vested in them by the government,” said Bajracharya.
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