KASKI: The Kaski District Police Office has taken steps to identify those engaged in criminal acts such as vandalism, arson, and looting during the Gen Z protests that occurred on September 8 and 9.

The police have made available videos depicting the vandalism, arson, and looting that transpired at government offices, commercial buildings, and private properties, urging citizens to provide names, addresses, contact numbers, and other relevant details of those observed participating in these activities.

Hari Bahadur Basnet, the Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police, emphasized that the anonymity of individuals or organizations supplying information about those involved in criminal activities will be preserved.

He mentioned that the public is encouraged to assist by sharing videos on social media platforms to facilitate the identification of individuals perpetrating criminal acts under the guise of the movement.

Basnet reported that several individuals implicated in criminal activities during the protests have already been apprehended, and investigations are underway. “We are actively seeking and detaining individuals involved in looting, vandalism, and arson during the movement,” he stated.

“Based on official complaints and reports, 38 individuals have been arrested to date, and they are currently under investigation for criminal disruption offenses.” The police also indicated that some weapons taken by the protesters have been recovered.

During the Gen-Z protests, a majority of government offices in Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province, were set ablaze and vandalized. It has been reported that the protests resulted in damages amounting to nearly 500 million rupees to both government and private sectors in Gandaki Province, including Kaski.

Damages were recorded at 138 government offices and 61 private properties across seven districts: Kaski, Tanahun, Nawalpur, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, and Syangja. According to the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, the situation is being closely monitored.