KATHMANDU, Jan 11:  The Chitwan National Park (CNP) has arrested four people who were absconding after smuggling rhino horns. The CNP arrested them on the charge of smuggling rhinoceros horns by shooting them at various times.

Those arrested are Ganesh Kumal, Chakka Jetha, Sonamshi Waiba and Muktalal Pun Magar. According to the information officer of the CNP, Ganesh Prasad Tiwari,  Kumal was arrested on January 6 from Bharatpur Metropolitan City-24, Machan, on the charge of smuggling a one-horned rhinoceros in the island area across from Bhusarghat on November 5, 2020. There were 24 defendants including him in that case.

Similarly,  Tiwari said that Waiba was arrested on the charge of smuggling rihno horn after shooting a rhinoceros in Simalgauhari area on August 13, 2006. According to him, among the 14 defendants in that case, Waiba was arrested from Ichchakamana Rural Municipality-7, Bhalumara. He was on the run for 17 years.

Similarly, Jetha and Pun Magar, who had been absconding for 13 years, were arrested on the charge of smuggling rhinos and rhinoceros in Nandantal area on February 3, 2004. Both of them were arrested on January 9 from Rapti Municipality-11 Simaltadi. District Court Chitwan had sentenced them to 15 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 100,000 each. There were four defendants in that case. Information officer Tiwari said that those who were arrested were handed over to the district court.

 
• arrest