Himal Press 
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KATHMANDU: Police have arrested five members of a gang accused of carrying out a series of chain-snatching incidents in different parts of the Kathmandu Valley.
The District Police Range, Kathmandu, said at a press meet on Sunday that five individuals, including the gang’s leader Karma Tamang (34), have been arrested.
Police say the gang had been spreading fear through a string of chain-snatching incidents on Kathmandu’s streets for a long time.
The gang particularly targeted women and elderly people walking alone during morning and evening hours.
Police investigation has revealed that the gang was involved in violent acts, including choking, assaulting and injuring victims who attempted to resist during the robberies.
Police say they had to open fire to arrest the gang’s leader.
According to police, the gang would steal 220 cc Pulsar motorcycles to use them in robberies. After committing the crimes, they would change the number plates and appearance, and take them outside the Valley to sell at low prices.
Speaking at the press meet, SSP Dilip Ghimire said that one motorcycle, a khukuri knife, five different number plates, and tools including a master key and T-lock used to break motorcycle locks were recovered from the suspects.
Police had been monitoring Tamang, a resident of Melamchi-4 in Sindhupalchok who had been living in Bouddha, for a long time before his arrest.
Tamang had previously been arrested multiple times on charges of theft and robbery and had also escaped from custody at the Swayambhu Police Circle, police say.
