Security beefed up in capital during Tihar


Keeping in view the possible increase in instances of robbery during Tihar festival, police have beefed up security in Kathmandu Valley.

According to Pitambar Adhikari at the Valley Crime Investigation Branch (VCIB), police have made "special" arrangements to provide security in areas that are prone to robberies. He said security patrols have also been added to curb instances of criminal activities in the capital.

Police officials believe that instances of robbery go up during Tihar as compared to Dashain festival. Stating that they have lately stepped up checking vehicles that ply during the night, Adhikari said, "We have also mobilized a large number of civil police to keep vigil."

Adhikari, however, cautioned the public not to leave their houses totally deserted. "Effort from the police alone is not enough to curb criminal activities. This also requires cooperation from the public," he said.

Madhav Prasad Nepal, chief of Lalitpur District Police Office, said at least four police patrols have been arranged from each Area Police Station in the district. "Besides deploying plain-clothes security personnel, we have arranged to mobilize separate police patrols from the District Police Office," he said.

SP Nepal said all district-based police units have been directed to make special security arrangement during the night. "As most of the finance companies and other offices remain closed during Tihar, we have focused on further tightening security at such places during the night," he said.

According to Valley Police Office, over 5,000 police personnel have been currently mobilized in the valley.