KATHMANDU: Police have arrested 18 individuals for harassing and exploiting passengers in the area around Tribhuvan International Airport.

According to SP Pawan Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Range, the suspects were apprehended from the airport area at around 10 PM on Friday.

Police said the group had been involved in forcibly approaching passengers, causing harassment, and luring them with various offers to hotels linked to them. They allegedly received commissions from both hotels and passengers in return. Authorities also accused them of engaging in disputes among themselves and displaying disorderly behavior.

Those arrested include individuals from multiple districts such as Sarlahi, Banke, Panchthar, Sindhuli, Makwanpur, Morang, Dhanusha, Siraha, Ramechhap, Mahottari, and Bajhang. Police said further investigation into the case is underway.