Four arrested in Nepal SBI Bank heist; Rs 18 million recovered

KATHMANDU: Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the armed robbery at Nepal SBI Bank’s Ghyanglekh–2 Bastipur, Hayutar branch, in which more than Rs 31 million was looted, marking one of the largest bank robberies reported outside the Kathmandu Valley in recent years.

According to the District Police Office, Sindhuli, the suspects were arrested from Ghyanglekh–1, Sukachuri, with the support of local residents. Sindhuli Police Chief Superintendent of Police (SP) Lal Dhwaj Subedi confirmed the arrests, stating that investigations are ongoing and further details are yet to be disclosed.

“Four people involved in the robbery have been arrested with the assistance of local people. Further information is still being collected,” SP Subedi said.

The robbery took place on Tuesday night at the Nepal SBI Bank branch located in Bastipur, Hayutar, under Ghyanglekh Rural Municipality. Police said a group of five to six individuals forcibly entered the bank premises and looted a total of Rs 3 crore 10 lakh 95 thousand 283.

Following the incident, a large-scale search operation was launched involving multiple police units and local coordination. As of now, police have recovered Rs 1 crore 80 lakh 10 thousand 500 from different locations. The recovered cash was seized during follow-up operations carried out with intelligence inputs and community support.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the recovered amount was found in the possession of the arrested suspects or hidden at separate locations. Police officials said the remaining amount is believed to be with absconding members of the robbery group, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest them.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the security of bank branches operating in semi-rural and remote areas. While Nepal SBI Bank has a strong presence across the country, this robbery has exposed potential vulnerabilities in physical security arrangements, especially during nighttime.

Police sources indicated that the robbers appeared to have prior knowledge of the branch layout and cash holdings, suggesting the possibility of insider information or pre-planned surveillance. However, investigators have not officially confirmed this angle and said all possibilities are being examined.

Local residents played a key role in tracking suspicious movements following the robbery, which helped police locate and arrest the suspects within a short period. Police officials have acknowledged the community’s role, stating that public cooperation significantly strengthened the response and recovery effort.

Security agencies have intensified patrols and surveillance in surrounding areas, including forest routes and inter-district road networks, to prevent suspects from fleeing with the remaining cash. Coordination has also been increased with neighboring district police offices.

Nepal SBI Bank has not issued a detailed public statement yet, but banking sources said internal assessments are underway to evaluate security lapses and operational risks. Industry experts say the incident could prompt banks to revisit cash-handling practices, alarm systems, and night security protocols, particularly in branches located outside major urban centers.

The case remains under investigation, and police have indicated that additional arrests are likely as the probe progresses. Authorities have urged the public to share any information that could help trace the remaining suspects and recover the unrecovered amount.

The robbery and subsequent arrests come at a time when financial security and law enforcement effectiveness are under increased scrutiny, with police under pressure to ensure swift justice and restore confidence in the safety of the banking system.