KATHMANDU: Police have arrested 18 individuals involved in local gang-related activities across different parts of the capital during a coordinated overnight crackdown dubbed “Operation Safety Kathmandu.”

The operation was carried out by the Kathmandu District Police Range and the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office through separate teams deployed across key areas.

According to SP Pawan Bhattarai, five individuals were arrested for forming and operating gang groups. Among them is Prabin Tamang, also known as “Dimpal,” who was allegedly active in a group led by Shyam Lama.

Others arrested include Birju Maharjan for alleged involvement in gang activities in the Kalanki–Bafal area, Sujan Karki for similar offenses near the Kalanki bus ticket counter and petrol pump, and Saru Humagain for allegedly forming a gang in the Syuchatar area. Biki Lama was also arrested on charges of robbery and gang activity in the Bouddha area.

Meanwhile, the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested an additional 13 individuals from areas including Thamel, Durbar Marg, and Samakhusi.

Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Khadka said the operation targeted individuals involved in street-level crime and organized gang behavior.

Police also detained a large number of other individuals for screening to assess possible criminal backgrounds. Authorities said similar past operations have seen between 100 to 125 people taken into custody for verification, but Friday’s operation involved an even higher number. Investigations into those arrested are ongoing, police said.