BHAIRAHAWA, Nov 3:  Despite tight security during festivals, Rupandehi district witnessed some serious crimes over a week during Tihar. Two murder cases, an attempt to murder and a suspicious case of suicide have been lodged at Devdaha police station of the district during the period.

According to the police, Namkala Panday, 22, of Devdaha-2 and Bir Bahadur Gurung, 32, of Butwal Golpark were found dead under similar circumstances.

Panday was robbed and beaten to death on October 23, just four days before Tihar. The robbers took away five tolas of gold jewelries from her, said Devi Prasad Panday, her father-in-law.

Similarly, another local, Bir Bahadur Gurung was found dead under a bridge overlooking the Gamaha river near Butuwal-14 on October 30. During the preliminary investigation, police found that the murderer had used a hammer to smash Gurung's head. They found a detonator and the hammer at the crime spot.

Police also claimed that Gurung was involved in numerous criminal cases before. They said he might have been killed by his own gang members. 

Another case of theft and attempt to murder involves Deepa Thapa of Devdaha-4, Semrahana. She was beaten brutally and robbed off her jewelries worth one tola of gold.

Her family has brought her to Kathmandu Neuro Hospital for treatment. Police said her situation is still critical.

The fourth case is yet to be investigated. Garina Khatun, 27, of Tilottama-16, Madrani, was found dead in a courtyard of Tilottama on Monday. Although, her husband claimed that she has committed suicide by consuming poison, police are yet to reveal the cause of the death as the case is still under investigating.

Locals of Devdaha have criticized the police for securing the main areas and neglecting the villages. According to them, this negligence has resulted in the rise in crimes in their villages. However, the police claimed that due to their tight security only four crimes have been reported during this year's Tihar festival.

 
• serious crimes
 
• police
 
• tihar