KATHMANDU: In a concerning incident for tourism sector, three individuals have been arrested in Kathmandu for robbing Indian tourists under the guise of assisting them in finding accommodation.

According to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, the suspects lured Indian visitors near Gongabu Chowk, one of the capital’s busiest transport and lodging hubs, offering to help them locate a hotel. The tourists were then led to the sixth floor of Dhurba Tara Complex, where they were assaulted and robbed.

Following swift investigation, police apprehended the suspects from the Nayabazar area of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16 on July 4. They have been identified as Pasang Tamang (22), Kiran Kumar Moktan (26), and Nir Kumar Tamang (28).

The case has been handed over to the District Police Office for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Such incidents, while isolated, pose reputational risks to Nepal’s image as a welcoming and safe destination. Tourists are urged to remain cautious when seeking help from strangers and advised tourism-related businesses to remain vigilant and proactive in supporting visitor safety.

Bhaktapur, Thamel, Gongabu, and other popular tourist areas need to be have increased patrol and monitoring, particularly as Nepal continues to recover its international tourism market post-pandemic.

As the tourism industry rallies around improving standards and safeguarding traveler experiences, such incidents underscore the importance of strong coordination between law enforcement, the hospitality sector, and local communities to uphold Nepal’s longstanding tradition of hospitality.