Bhojpur, October 13

A gang of unidentified people looted rudraksha worth Rs 21.5 million from Tabu of Kudakakaule at Khadananda Municipality-2, Bhojpur, this morning.

The gang of around eight looted the rudraksha planted jointly by  Mayor Birbal Rai and local Himal Tamang and fled the scene. The gang members had thrashed locals Kuber Rai and Omkar Rai deployed to guard the rudraksha before fleeing the scene.

Mayor Rai said rudraksha was looted when he was at the headquarters for municipality’s work. According to Mayor Rai, rudraksha was planted in 300 ropanis of land. One bead of rudraksha costs around Rs one lakh in the market, said Rai.

Omkar Thulung a guard deployed for the security of rudraksha said a gang of unidentified people thrashed them and fled with the rudraksha beads. Police suspect the looters might have fled to Khotang with the rudraksha.

Bhojpur police said they had informed police in Khotang and a manhunt to nab the looters was on. Mayor Rai has filed a complaint with the police seeking investigation into the incident.