Two DySPs, Including Bed Bahadur Paudel, awarded for cracking Lalitpur double murder case

KATHMANDU — The Kathmandu Valley Police Office has awarded senior police officers and investigators for successfully cracking the double murder case in Lalitpur, with Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Bed Bahadur Paudel playing a central role in the investigation.

The awards were presented to officers involved in unraveling the murders of Keshavraj Hayu and Paruhang Rai, whose killings in different locations across Lalitpur and Bhaktapur had raised serious public concern over violent crime in the Valley.

DySP Paudel, who is currently serving at the Lalitpur branch of the Valley Crime Investigation Office, was recognized for his leadership and investigative contribution alongside DySP Panchalal Gole of the Valley Crime Investigation Office. The Kathmandu Valley Police Office also awarded Inspector Shiva Thapa for his role in the case.

According to police spokesperson SSP Prabin Dhital, a total of seven police personnel were honored—three from the Kathmandu Valley Police Office and four from the Valley Crime Investigation Office. Among those receiving formal commendations on record were Sub-Inspector Ram Lama and Head Constable Hasta Bahadur Saud, along with other senior and junior officers involved in the operation.

Case Breakdown and Investigation

The investigation established that Keshavraj Hayu was murdered in the Jyamirkot forest area of Mahalaxmi Municipality–8, Lalitpur, while Paruhang Rai’s body was later found dumped in the Deurali forest area of Suryabinayak Municipality–7, Bhaktapur. Hayu’s body was also discovered inside a well at a farmhouse in Sheraphant, Mahalaxmi Municipality.

Through coordinated fieldwork, technical analysis, and interrogation, the police team identified and arrested 21-year-old Devaraj Dhungel of Sunkoshi Rural Municipality–4, Sindhuli, and 20-year-old Jayaram Adhikari in connection with the murders.

Investigators concluded that Dhungel had borrowed Rs 1.2 million from Hayu and Rs 500,000 from Rai around four months prior to the incidents. Unable and unwilling to repay the loans, Dhungel allegedly planned the killings with Adhikari’s assistance.

Police investigations confirmed that Hayu was killed on Mangsir 24, followed by the murder of Rai on Mangsir 25. The sequence of events and disposal of bodies across multiple locations had initially complicated the case, but investigators were able to connect the crimes through financial motives and coordinated movements of the suspects.

Recognition of Professional Policing

Senior police officials said the successful resolution of the case reflects improved coordination within the Valley’s crime investigation units and highlights the importance of financial crime tracking in homicide investigations. DySP Bed Bahadur Paudel’s role was particularly noted for operational supervision and case development at the Lalitpur level, contributing decisively to identifying the suspects and securing arrests.

The Kathmandu Valley Police Office stated that such recognitions are intended to encourage professionalism, accountability, and efficiency within the force, particularly in complex criminal investigations involving multiple crime scenes and premeditated motives.