Pokhara, November 5
Police have arrested 21 people during a special operation launched in the Lakeside tourist area of Pokhara from midnight, following complaints about a rise in activities disrupting the area’s environment.
Kaski District Police Chief SP Nabin Karki said the operation, named ‘Operation Sabhyata’, was launched to curb incidents of tourists being harassed or mistreated, as well as other inappropriate and unwanted activities.
He said the campaign aims to strengthen security in the tourist area, minimise potential damage to Pokhara’s tourism image and ensure a safe and orderly environment ahead of the upcoming Tihar and Chhath festivals.
Kaski District Police Office spokesperson Birendra Kumar Paswan said teams from the district police office and its subordinate units began the operation on November 4.
As part of the campaign, police took 21 people into custody between 1am and 5am on the night of Kartik 19 in the Lakeside area of Pokhara Metropolitan City-6. Those detained were allegedly involved in gambling, creating disturbances and other unwanted or inappropriate activities.
According to police, 10 of those detained were involved in gambling, six in other unwanted activities, two in altercations, and three in activities including theft and alcohol consumption.
Police also took action against 27 vehicles during the operation. Fifteen drivers were penalised for driving under the influence of alcohol, while two others faced action for separate traffic violations. Another 10 vehicles were held pending further investigation and action.
Police said the operation would continue to prevent tourists from being harassed, curb unnecessary disputes and control activities that could undermine peace and security in the Lakeside tourist area.
