Nine arrested for stealing electricity transformers in Sarlahi
Police detain four Indian nationals among suspects; 17 transformers stolen under investigation
Published: 04:23 pm Nov 19, 2025
KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 19
Sarlahi Police have arrested nine individuals, including four Indian nationals, for their involvement in a series of transformer thefts across the district, officials announced on Thursday.
At a press conference held at the District Police Office in Malangwa, Superintendent of Police (SP) Yogendra Kumar Khadka said the arrests were made under 'Operation Charlie,' launched after 17 transformers installed for agricultural use were reported stolen from Bagmati, Raniganj, Chandranagar and surrounding areas.
SP Khadka said police faced a significant challenge in identifying the gang behind the thefts but eventually apprehended the suspects with supporting evidence through detailed investigation.
Those arrested include Durga Adhikari, 28, of Ilam; Sonam Lama, 42, of Sindhupalchok; Budhe Majhi, 53, of Mahottari; Dilip Kumar Ojha, 33, of Birgunj; and Krishna Srivastava, 39, of Jitpur Simara. The four Indian nationals in custody are Mohammad Rayajul, 55, of East Champaran, Bihar; Sanjit Padarth, 35, of Samastipur; and Sukhadi Sahani, 50, and Saroj Kumar Sahani, 20, both originally from East Champaran and currently residing in Birgunj.
Police recovered 103.8 kg of stolen transformer wire, 51 tools used in the thefts and two e-rickshaws from the suspects. Arrests were made from various locations in Mahottari, Bara and Parsa districts, according to SP Khadka.
According to police, several of the arrested have existing criminal records. Sonam Lama has four previous cases related to theft and robbery in different districts, while Budhe Majhi faces charges including attempted murder, robbery and indecent behaviour.
Police also stated that Indian national Sukhadi Sahani worked with Adhikari, Lama and Majhi to collect information on isolated transformer locations. Meanwhile, Krishna Srivastava reportedly operated Gadhimai Metal Pvt. Ltd., where stolen transformer copper was melted and converted into utensils for sale.
The Sarlahi District Court has granted a seven-day extension to hold the suspects as investigations continue.