Key Takeaways:

• Fugitive convicted in Justice Ran Bahadur Bam murder arrested in Sarlahi
• Police recovered two pistols ammunition and nearly Rs 518,000 in cash
• Thapa escaped from Central Jail during Gen Z protests in 2025
• Arrest ends more than a year-long search for one of Nepal's most-wanted fugitives

SARLAHI, OCTOBER 15 One of Nepal's most-wanted fugitives, convicted in the murder of former Supreme Court justice Ran Bahadur Bam, has been arrested more than a year after escaping from prison, with police recovering pistols, ammunition and cash from his home in Sarlahi. Meghraj alias Babu Thapa, 48, was arrested during a raid at his residence in Bagmati Municipality-1 following a special tip-off. Police seized two pistols, three magazines, 15 rounds of ammunition, two mobile phones and Rs 517,992 in cash during the operation. According to police, Thapa had been serving a 20-year prison sentence in connection with murder and attempted murder cases linked to the killing of Justice Bam before escaping from the Central Jail in Jagannathdewal on September 8, 2025, during the Gen Z protests. Authorities said Thapa faced 11 separate cases, including illegal arms and ammunition, attempted murder, theft and public offence charges, and had remained on the run since his escape. Police have taken him into custody for further investigation and are examining the weapons and other items recovered during the arrest.