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A passenger jeep met with an accident at Jakhauli in Hariharpur Gadhi Rural Municipality-2 of  Sindhuli on Jan 5. The accident resulted in the death of 20-year-old local resident, Kailash Rai, who succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Chure Hill Hospital in Hetauda. Two other injured passengers are currently receiving treatment.

In another incident, a scooter rider lost his life in a road accident in Sanothimi in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-2 of Bhaktapur on December 30. Nischal Prakash Rajbhandari (31) of Sanothimi died while undergoing treatment at Norvic Hospital. The accident occurred when Nischal’s scooter skidded while trying to avoid a stray dog on the road. His wife Puja Shrestha (28), who was riding pillion, is currently under treatment.

Two years ago, Madhu Nepal from Palpa suffered severe injuries at Shankar Nagar of Butwal when his motorcycle collided with a pickup van coming from the opposite direction. Nepal, who had just returned after spending 10 years in Korea, was airlifted to Medicity Hospital in Bhaisepati for treatment. Despite spending over Rs 2.8m on multiple surgeries for his head injury, his life has never been the same. “Nothing is like before,” Nepal said. “The impact of accidents is devastating.”

Rising accident rates have claimed lives of people from all age groups, from young children to the elderly. The trauma and pain inflicted on families of accident victims are devastating. Those who survive with serious injuries often face a lifetime of hardship. Many are forced to live with disabilities caused by these accidents.

According to Nepal Police, 1,030 people have lost their lives in road accidents across the country in the first four months of 2024/25. A total of 13,442 road accidents were recorded during the period, resulting in 2,620 serious injuries and approximately 13,000 minor injuries. On average, 63 vehicle accidents occur daily, with 88 people getting injured and 7-10 losing their lives.

Nepal recorded 35,404 road accidents in 2023/24, resulting in 2,369 deaths and 6,160 serious injuries. Similarly, in 2022/23, 29,379 road accidents resulted in 2,883 deaths and 7,282 serious injuries. A total of 6,282 people died in road accidents over the past 28 months, averaging 225 deaths per month.

According to Kathmandu Valley Traffic Office, an average of four deaths occur in the valley every day. In the first five months of 2024/25, the valley witnessed 2,045 vehicle accidents, resulting in 75 deaths, 100 serious injuries and 2,758 minor injuries. Among the deceased, the majority were above 36 years old (41 people), followed by those between 17-35 years (30 people) and under 16 years(four deaths).

DSP Dipak Giri from the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Office told ApEx that most accidents occur during daylight hours. Two-wheelers are most frequently involved in accidents, followed by jeeps, cars, vans, buses, and microbuses, he added.

According to traffic police, overconfidence of drivers is an important factor behind rising numbers of road accidents. High speed, driving under influence, mechanical failures of motor vehicles, overtaking and negligence of pedestrians are the other reasons behind rising cases of road accidents. 

Between 200 to 300 people face penalties for drunk driving and speeding every day, police records show.

“Whether it is the families of those who died in accidents or those who were seriously injured, they face immense hardships. Accidents would naturally decrease if drivers remained vigilant while operating vehicles on the road,” DSP Giri said. “Pedestrians must also stay alert while walking on the roads. For those riding pillion on motorcycles or scooters, wearing helmets can reduce the impact even if an accident occurs.”

According to Nepal Police Spokesperson Bishwa Adhikari, the accident rates are rising in line with increasing vehicle imports and usage. “This trend is not unique to Nepal but is global, corresponding with increasing urbanization,” he said. “Nepal’s diverse geography presents unique challenges. Mountain roads are narrow and inherently risky, while Terai roads often run through settlements where high speeds lead to accidents.” Adhikari added that factors such as weather conditions, road construction quality and vehicle mechanical issues also contribute to accidents.

“There are numerous causes including drunk driving, speeding, and carelessness. The key factor in reducing accidents is the driver themselves,” Adhikari said. “If every person becomes a responsible driver, such incidents would decrease significantly.”

A series of murders involving family members in Kathmandu Valley over 10 days has shocked the nation.

Last Saturday, Milan Acharya from Khotang murdered his father Kul Prasad Acharya (56) and brother Pravin Acharya (22). Milan, who had been living in Balkot of Bhaktapur, attacked his sleeping father with a pestle, then moved to another room to kill his younger brother with the same weapon. Mentally disturbed, Milan attempted self-harm in a forest before surrendering to police three days later.

In another incident, a man killed his son near the Shahid Smriti playground in Bhaktapur Municipality-2 on Dec 17. Dip Bahadur Shahi (63) of Achham killed his son Narendra at around 10:15 pm using a knife. Police are investigating why Dip Bahadur, who had come from Achham to donate his kidney to his ailing son, committed the crime.

Likewise, Sarita Tamang (17), originally from Gajuri Rural Municipality-4 of Dhading, was found dead in her rented room in Chandragiri Municipality-10 of Kathmandu on Dec 18. Sarita, who used to live alone, had been out of contact with her family since December 16. Her brother had informed the police that his sister had gone missing. A grade 10 student at Satungal-based Bishnudevi Secondary School, Sarita's body was found hidden beneath her bed. Police have arrested her cousin Bishwas Tamang for the crime. According to police, Bishwas, who has a habit of watching porn, killed Sarita and raping her.

An engineering student was killed in Chyasal of Lalitpur during a dispute over payment of a restaurant bill. Nayan Gurung from Sunsari, who had completed his BE third semester at Himalaya College, was stabbed to death by a restaurant worker. Nayan had gone to The Town Hub Café with friends on the night of Dec 24. At around 9:10 pm, when Nayan tried to pay the bill before leaving, Hemraj Bhatta at the counter demanded that he clear his previous dues first. When the argument escalated, Hemraj pulled out a knife from the counter and stabbed Nayan to death.

These four incidents occurred within 10 days in Kathmandu Valley. Between Dec 16 and 25, five people were murdered in the capital. In three cases, the accused were family members. It is hard to believe that one’s own relatives could commit such heinous crimes. However, police records show there has been an increase in crimes involving relatives, neighbors and acquaintances in recent times.

According to the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, 31 people have been found dead in three districts of the valley since the beginning of fiscal year 2024/25 in mid-July, including 18 deaths related to homicide. Data provided by the Nepal Police Headquarters shows 192 cases of murder have been recorded across the country since mid-July. Similarly, 382 homicide-related incidents have been recorded nationwide during the period.

Binod Ghimire, the spokesperson for Kathmandu Valley Police Office, said heinous crimes, except in rare cases, mostly occur due to rage. Crime increases due to rage, frustration from failure, depression, anxiety, family disputes and animosity, he added. In murders by relatives, family issues and rage are more common causes than financial reasons, said Ghimire.

Nepal Police Spokesperson Bishwa Adhikari said heinous crimes by relatives is not just an issue in the capital but a problem nationwide and globally. Looking at police statistics from the past five years, over 1,200 cases involve family members as perpetrators, he said. “The main reason behind relatives committing crimes is mental instability. People commit crimes for momentary gain or in fits of rage. As family harmony weakens, conflicts and disputes arise. The decline in family reconciliation and harmonious environments has led to an increase in criminal incidents. The main causes are alcohol, drugs, circumstances, rage, financial reasons and extramarital affairs,” Adhikari added.

According to Adhikari, homicide cases mostly involve personal reasons. “Very few incidents occur after long planning and preparation. Most horrifying incidents happen due to inability to control momentary rage, and personal enmity and disputes,” he said. “The Balkot twin murder can be attributed to extreme despair and failure of the perpetrator.”

Former SSP Dinesh Raj Mainali said it is impossible to predict when an enraged person might cause an accident or commit a crime. “Rather than saying that police failed to prevent incidents or that impunity is rising, individuals, families, relatives and society must play effective roles in preventing such incidents,” he said. “Everyone needs to pay attention to resolving family disputes. It is also necessary for everyone to consider the mental health of family members.”

According to Mainali, those who stay alone, show pessimism and lack focus in any work might also have problems. “Major accidents can occur if even the minor behavioral changes are ignored,” he added. Dhundi Raj Neupane, the spokesperson for the District Police Office, Bhaktapur, is studying three heinous crimes of the past 10 days. “No one can predict crime within families. Family discord and financial reasons are the main causes of such crimes. Such criminal incidents occur when people are mentally disturbed and unable to control their rage,” he added.

According to spokesperson Neupane, over 90 percent of those involved in criminal activities have basic knowledge of law. “Those involved in drug abuse and cybercrime related cases often claim ignorance of the law. However, the accused in other cases have general information about the law,” he said. “Claiming ignorance of the law after committing a crime doesn’t provide exemption.”

Nepal Police has also initiated a Community Police Partnership Program to connect society and police. Under this program, Nepal Police is conducting awareness programs throughout the country. Such programs are organized in schools, colleges and universities as well.

Milan Acharya, a resident of Balakot, Bhaktapur, has surrendered to the police after the brutal killing of his father and younger brother. The tragic incident shook the community when the bodies of 56-year-old Kul Prasad Acharya and his younger son, Pravin, were discovered on Monday morning. Milan, the eldest son, turned himself in at the Maharajgunj police station on Tuesday at 10 a.m., confessing to the double murder. He cited extreme stress and depression as the driving factors behind his actions.

Kul Prasad, originally from Rupakot, Majuwagadhi-1, Khotang, was serving as the acting chief of the District Post Office in Khotang. He had arrived in Bhaktapur six days earlier for work. Milan, 26, had been preparing for the Public Service Commission (PSC) exams, while his younger brother Pravin, 22, was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at VS Niketan.

The Acharya family lived in a modest ground-floor flat of a three-and-a-half-story building. Neighbors described them as a quiet family who largely kept to themselves. However, the weekend saw a horrifying turn of events that shattered their peace.

According to the police investigation, Milan had dinner with his father and brother on Saturday night, which he had prepared himself. After dinner, Kul Prasad spoke to Milan about societal expectations . “It’s time to get married, yet you haven’t settled down,” Kul Prasad allegedly told Milan. These words, intended as guidance, left a profound impact on Milan.

According to Milan’s statement to the police, he couldn’t sleep that night. “My father’s words shocked me deeply. He made me feel like a failure, and on top of that, the community was talking about me.” 

After spending the evening chatting, the family retired to their respective rooms. In his confession, Milan revealed that early Sunday morning, around 5:30 a.m., he struck his sleeping father on the head with a hammer. He then went to his brother’s room and, overwhelmed by his mental state, decided to kill him as well, though he insisted there had been no prior quarrel.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dhundiraj Neupane, spokesperson for the Bhaktapur District Police Range, said the victims were found with severe injuries to their heads and ears. The rooms had been locked from the outside, leading investigators to suspect premeditation.

Milan explained that his repeated failures in the PSC exams had plunged him into severe depression. He believed that his inability to meet expectations burdened his family, and killing them would relieve their stress. After committing the murders, Milan locked the rooms and fled to Biruwa, Bhaktapur.

Milan also admitted to the police that he intended to end his own life. He allegedly ventured into a forest in Biruwa and attempted to hang himself using a muffler, but the attempt failed as the muffler broke, leaving him with neck injuries. Believing this to be a sign that “God didn’t want him to die,” Milan returned and checked into a hotel in Chabahil.

Milan spent the next two days in hiding, watching news reports about the crime. Consumed by guilt and remorse, he decided to surrender. On Tuesday morning, he walked into the Maharajgunj police station and confessed to the murders, providing detailed accounts of his actions and motives.

The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, along with Thimi Police, corroborated Milan’s confession with evidence from the crime scene, including the hammer used in the murders. DSP Anil Ghimire confirmed that the evidence matched Milan’s statements.

Milan had reportedly attempted the PSC exams six times for positions such as Nasu (subordinate officer) and Khardar (assistant officer) but failed each time. The pressure to succeed and fulfill his family’s expectations had taken a devastating toll on his mental health.

The tragedy has left the local community in shock. Neighbors described the Acharya family as respectable and hardworking. “This incident highlights how societal pressure and a lack of mental health awareness can push individuals to the edge,” a neighbor remarked anonymously.

On Sunday morning, neighbors noticed the family’s rooms were locked from the outside but did not raise alarms. It wasn’t until Monday, when relatives and neighbors failed to contact the family, that the police were alerted. Upon breaking into the rooms, police found the bodies of Kul Prasad and Pravin, their head wounds indicating they had likely been killed on Saturday night.

The incident has sparked discussions about the urgent need for mental health awareness and support in Nepal. Dr. Sunita Sharma, a psychologist, emphasized, “Mental health issues like depression often go unnoticed, especially among young men, who are expected to be resilient. Recognizing early signs of distress and providing timely intervention is crucial.”

DSP Neupane explained that Milan seemed overwhelmed by the weight of his father’s words and societal expectations. “He has stated that his father’s remarks, combined with the pressure of community judgment, pushed him over the edge,” Neupane said.

Milan is currently in police custody as the investigation continues. Forensic analyses are underway to build a comprehensive case. Given the severity of the crime, Milan is likely to face charges of double homicide, which could result in a life sentence if convicted.

As the community mourns the loss of two lives, there is a growing call for systemic change. Experts urge educational institutions and workplaces to prioritize mental health resources. Families are encouraged to foster open communication to support members in distress and prevent such tragedies in the future.

White hair, a white sweater beneath a black coat and pants. A smiling face etched with the lines of age. The entire right side of his body is immobile, requiring support even to stand, let alone walk. Yet his spirit burns as brightly as that of a 16-year-old. He is a master of creativity and the composer of thousands of captivating melodies.

At 87, Japanese pianist Izumi Tateno recently performed in Kathmandu. He left the audience spellbound at a concert held at the residence of Japanese Ambassador Kikuta Yutaka in Soaltee Mode. Organized by the Japanese Embassy in Nepal, Tateno unleashed the sweet tones and melodies of the piano, mesmerizing everyone in attendance.

Visiting Nepal for the first time at the age of 87, Tateno brought with him sweet melodies. A massive piano was the only thing on the stage. Tateno arrived on stage in a wheelchair and delivered an extraordinary musical experience. The audience, including ambassadors from various countries and distinguished guests, were deeply touched by his music. He created different rhythms on the piano with just one hand, spreading sweetness in every heartbeat.

Tateno’s piano craze is simply astonishing. Everyone marveled at the Japanese melodies that flowed from the piano as he produced beautiful tunes with his eyes closed.

As National Poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire once said, no one can stop the power of creativity. Neither age, physical limitations, nor any other obstacle can hinder it.

Tateno’s life has seen many ups and downs. The right side of his body is paralyzed, and he cannot stand upright without support. But the melodies he creates with his left hand on the piano are exceptional. His unique ability to captivate and mesmerize the audience is remarkable.

Born in Tokyo in 1936, Tateno has been a permanent resident of Finland since 1964. Even at 87, his energy is admirable. He performed in India and Bhutan before coming to Nepal.  

Although this was his first visit to Nepal, Tateno appeared at ease, bowing repeatedly in gratitude and respect toward the Nepali audience. Tateno, who has composed music for hundreds of songs in Japanese and other languages, has a voice as melodious as his music. His dedication to the rhythm and music of the piano was palpable.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka, who attended the concert, took Tateno’s name with great reverence. He wholeheartedly praised the pianist's work and abilities, calling him a king of the piano and a special creator of Japanese music.

Tateno presented more than half a dozen tunes in various styles and melodies. He lost himself in the music as he pressed the keys with one hand, and after each performance, he would scan the audience, perhaps wondering, “Did my melodies reach them? Did they sway with the piano’s rhythm?”

With each performance, the audience responded with thunderous applause. Tateno made the hour entirely piano-centric, freezing time with the sweetness of his music. He swayed in rhythm and poured emotions into the melodies. 

It is said that art knows no geography, no fixed language or rhythm, no caste or religion. Creativity touches minds, feels heartbeats and speaks the language of the soul. This autumn evening swayed to the rhythm of Piano Master Izumi Tateno’s music.

In the past Nepali month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April), authorities arrested 28 Bangladeshi nationals from various parts of the country. 

Among them, 18 had overstayed their visa and were illegally residing in Nepal. Ten others were apprehended for taking hostage and torturing several men from their own country at a Kathmandu-based hotel. They had brought the victims to Nepal with the promise of sending them to countries like the US, Canada, Italy, and Croatia. The accused had also taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from the victims. 

That same month, police arrested four Pakistani men for confining six Sri Lankans in two hotels in Kathmandu. According to Metropolitan Police Range spokesperson Ravindra Regmi, Pakistani and Sri Lankan agents collaborated to transport the hostages to Kathmandu on the pretext of flying them to Europe and other destinations. 

“In the process, they received substantial sums from them. Six Sri Lankan citizens paid 7.5m Sri Lankan rupees to the agents, with additional payments in USD,” says Regmi.

Similarly on Feb 15, a team from the District Police Office, Kathmandu, rescued 11 Indian citizens from captivity near Ratopul, Kathmandu. Eight individuals who held them captive are in custody, having brought the victims to Kathmandu, falsely promising easy access to the US via Nepal.

These incidents highlight a recent surge in crimes committed by foreign nationals in Nepal. The lenient arrival visa policy has attracted foreign criminals, who engage in human trafficking, drug smuggling, murder, theft, and fraud. 

According to the records of Nepal Police Headquarters, in the last 3.5 years, 480 foreign nationals have been involved in crimes in Nepal. From fiscal year 2077/78 BS to the present fiscal year 2080/81 BS. Among them, the majority are Indian nationals (192), followed by Chinese (84), and Bangladeshi (32) nationals. 

Gokarna Khanal, information officer at the Department of Prison Management, says there are 1,384 foreign nationals in prisons across the country. Of them, 1,204 are Indian nationals, 24 are Chinese nationals, three are Bangladeshi nationals, and 12 are Pakistani nationals. There are also eight Thais, three Filipinos, 13 South Africans, 12 Sudanese, and two American nationals.

Former Inspector General Thakur Gyawali says Nepal—where visa processes are extremely easy, and visas can even be obtained at the airport—is becoming a safe space for international criminals. Gyawali argues that besides easy arrival visa policy, Nepal’s security system itself is weak. He says due to legal loopholes, crimes committed by foreign nationals go unpunished.

The lack of robust monitoring and cooperation between agencies compounds the problem. Gyawali says the government’s data is not fully digitized online. Data related to criminal activities is shared with Nepal Police. However, economic data is shared with other entities, and data related to foreign arrivals is managed by another agency. 

“This lack of cooperation makes it difficult to monitor the activities of foreigners who enter Nepal,” Gyawai says. “We don’t have complete records of foreigners coming to Nepal. No agency is monitoring their activities. Where are they staying? How do they manage financially? Where do they get cash from?” 

If technology is updated and upgraded, Gyawali believes not only foreigners but also Nepali individuals can be deterred from committing crimes. 

The trend of foreigners getting involved in crimes is not new in Nepal, says Bhim Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for Nepal Police. But he does not agree that Nepal’s law enforcement agencies are weak or ineffective.

“Compared to other countries, Nepal’s security is strong. No matter who or how one commits crimes, they can’t escape the police,” he says. “Also, it is not right to say that professional criminals come to Nepal and commit crimes.”

Security expert Prof. Indra Adhikari proposes enhanced scrutiny of tourist visas and digitization of foreign nationals’ activities. “A balance between tourism promotion and security measures is essential to curb criminal activities,” he says.

Adhikari is against vilifying the security agencies for increased crime rates. In comparison to the past, he mentions that the occurrence of serious crimes has decreased, indicating that the security agencies have become modern, efficient, robust, and trustworthy. 

“Criminals are always a step ahead of the law and security agencies. The number of crimes is increasing not only here but also in every country. Nepal Police is also vigilant and sensitive regarding the involvement of foreign nationals in crimes and criminal behavior. Impartial investigations are being conducted.”

On April 7, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive to all 77 district administration offices across the country for increased surveillance of foreign nationals, emphasizing accountability for illegal activities. 

According to Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, spokesperson for the ministry, surveillance of foreign nationals entering all districts has been increased. 

“No one, whether domestic or foreign, is exempt from engaging in illegal activities while staying in Nepal. They will be brought under the legal framework,” he says.