Kathmandu, June 3
Police have arrested two individuals involved in the attempted theft of a red panda from the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. The suspects, 21-year-old Krishna Gurung of Dhadingbesi and 26-year-old Mohammad Tafiq from Vaishali, Bihar, India, are in custody at the Lalitpur District Police Office. Two other Indian nationals allegedly involved in the incident remain at large, though police claim to have identified them.
According to Lalitpur SSP Shyam Krishna Adhikari, the group had visited the zoo twice for reconnaissance before attempting the theft on their third visit. Late at night on May 13, they managed to capture the red panda and pack it into a bag. However, the animal began to make noise, prompting the suspects to abandon the bag in a bamboo grove inside the zoo and flee the scene.
Police recovered a screwdriver, a bag containing red panda fur, and a pair of shoes from the site. CCTV footage helped investigators track the suspects, and Tafiq was arrested from Swayambhu, where he had been involved in bird trading.
The group had entered the zoo with valid tickets, inspecting enclosure access points and security coverage. On the third day, they stayed hidden in the canteen after closing hours before attempting the theft.
