KATHMANDU, Dec 7: Police have busted a racket responsible for sending Nepali youths to join the Russian Army, leading to the arrests of 12 individuals and subsequent public disclosure.

The arrests were made following an extensive operation conducted by the police team over several days in various locations across Kathmandu. These individuals were allegedly engaged in the illicit trafficking of Nepali youths to Russia both through Nepal and India.

Police conducted operations at multiple places in the Kathmandu Valley since November 30, resulting in the apprehension of individuals such as Dipen Pariyar, Kshitij Giri, Subhash Lama, Manish Neupane, Rosal Maharjan, Hari Bahadur Bishwakarma, Ishwar Adhikari, Gokarna Aryal, Sujata Dahal, Santosh Adhikari, Santosh Nepal, and Drona Dangi.

Sources within the police have confirmed the arrest of individuals involved in various activities, including recruiting youths for the Russian Army, facilitating documentation, and arranging visit visas. A police source stated, "We have expedited the operation, and it appears that a significant gang is involved. The number of arrests is expected to increase in the coming days."

During the initial investigation, the police discovered that the gang facilitated the travel of Nepali youths to Russia from the Tribhuvan International Airport on visit visas. Chief of Kathmandu Police Range SSP Bhupendra Khatri revealed during a press conference that even active personnel of Nepal Police were found attempting to join the Russian Army for financial gains. Most of those aspiring to join had either retired from security services or possessed training in handling arms.

The investigation also unveiled that ex-policemen and soldiers, along with current ones, have joined the Russian Army. Three groups, led by Sujata Dahal, Ishwar Adhikari, and Hari BK, were arrested for their involvement in sending people to Russia as mercenaries. Hari BK, an ex-serviceman of the Nepalese Army, had sent 18 people to Russia, with two of them having returned to Nepal.

The police disclosed that both Nepali and Indian routes were utilized by the gang to send individuals to Russia. There is an ongoing investigation regarding whether the gang sent Nepalis who lost their lives while serving in the Russian Army.

 
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