Kathmandu, November 1:

Three police personnel among the six, who were charged with looting and smuggling rare herb Yarshagumba, were released on bail today.

Inspector Bimal Raj Kandel, sub-inspectors Santosh Swanr and Suraj Khadka were released after they furnished a bond of Rs 2,00,000 each.

The bail amount was fixed by the Kathmandu District Court. The court sent sub-inspector Raju KC and assistant sub-inspectors Himalay Shah and Roshan Shah to Charkhal Detention Centre at Dillibazaar as they failed to post the bail amount.

The six police officials are facing charges of looting and smuggling the aphrodisiac herb, Cater Pillar Fungus, locally known as Yarshagumba. The six, along with two other civilians were charged with looting 12 kilogrammes of Cordyceps Sinensis worth over Rs 2.4 million from Swoyambhu on September 14.

Police has filed a charge-sheet against eight persons, including two civilians. Biplab Sunwar and Yagya Bahadur Singh have also been sent to jail for their alleged involvement in the illegal herbal business.

Sources said the police personnel looted the Yarshagumba in their on going racket. They were caught while they were looking for a fence to push through their loot.