Nawalparasi, August 12 :

Two groups of dacoits decamped with property worth over Rs 1.3 million from two different places in Nawalparasi last night, police said. A group of five dacoits struck a passenger bus in the jungle area between Arunkhola and Dumkibas along the Mahendra Highway, overpowered the passengers and decamped with cash and valuables worth over Rs 650,000.

The bus was headed for Kathmandu from Tam-ghas, police said. Twenty-six out of the 40 passengers were robbed. Helper of the bus was hurt as he tried to fight off the dacoits.

Meanwhile, five persons, identifying themselves as the Maoists, looted Rs 550,000 in cash and five-and-a-half tolas of gold from the house of Krishna Arjun Parajuli at Makar VDC-9, Bardaghat, last night, police said, adding that a search for the looters is under way.