MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

The security situation in Kathmandu is deteriorating. While reports of abductions and manslaughter cases are on the rise, the government is doing little to address them.

The abduction of industrialist Mahesh Sarada took place in broad daylight. Afterwards a special police cell was mobilised to look into it and the case was also discussed at the Home Ministry. But their efforts amounted to nothing and Sarada returned home having paid a heavy ransom. The high school teenager who was abducted was murdered and her mutilated body was found in Kathmandu although her parents paid Rs.100,000.

Every time there is a case of abduction the police pay lip service to wanting to bring about justice and to punishing the guilty but they achieve no more than that. Another reason why these abductions persist is because the abductors, even from their prison cells, manage to keep forming new gangs to perpetuate their crimes.

It seems as if the court is providing them with a form of 'shelter' inside jail from where they can pursue these crimes and remain protected. Unless the Home administration deals with this issue there is no hope of Kathmandu becoming a peaceful and secure city.