Kathmandu Valley has seen a series of impulsive, rage-fueled killings over the past few weeks. These violent outbursts, which are often triggered by seemingly trivial disputes, are posing a significant challenge for law enforcement. Four such murders committed in the heat of the moment have been reported in the valley in the space of two weeks. In one such case, Ripesh Khati (30), originally from Ramechhap, was fatally stabbed late on March 27 in Imadol, Lalitpur. Police have arrested Suman Rasaili (25), also from Ramechhap, in connection with the killing.
According to Lalitpur Police Chief Shyam Krishna Adhikari, Rasaili became enraged upon learning that Khati had allegedly harassed his 14-year-old sister. He asked Khati to meet him at an isolated location and attacked him with a khukuri, inflicting severe wounds to his neck and face. Khati died before he could receive medical help. “The murder was a result of uncontrolled anger,” Adhikari said, adding that the tragedy might have been averted had the harassment been reported to the police earlier.
In another incident, Abhay Gole from Dhungedada was killed near LRI School in Kalanki, Kathmandu, at around 9 pm on March 24 during a street altercation. A group, including Rohit Khadka, Binay Lama and Parbit Natesh, attacked Gole with a khukuri and an iron rod. Gole was found injured on the street and rushed to Shahid Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead.
Kathmandu Police Range Spokesperson Apil Raj Bohora said a minor disagreement during Holi celebrations escalated into the incident. “This happened because of unchecked egos and lack of parental oversight over young adults,” said Bohora. “The group tried to resolve the issue themselves, and a young man lost his life.”
Earlier, on March 11, Laxman Khadka (32) was beaten to death in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur. Police arrested Yadav Paudel (39) of Sarlahi and Anish Tamang (24) of Sindhuli in connection with the fatal attack. According to Bhaktapur Police Chief SP Dhundi Raj Neupane, the suspects have admitted to attacking Khadka over a petty dispute. He was found unconscious in Magargaun and later succumbed to injuries.
In yet another case, Om Prakash Rai from Khotang was found murdered at Nilbarahi Picnic Spot in Bhaktapur, with injuries to his head and ears. Police arrested Himal Budha Magar of Rolpa for a probe. According to police, Himal has confessed to killing Rai during an argument over
Rs 100 offered by devotees.
Police records show Kathmandu Valley alone saw 842 homicide-related cases in the first eight months of the fiscal year 2024-25. Kathmandu district accounted for 624 cases, followed by Lalitpur with 124 and Bhaktapur with 94. Additionally, 1,638 social crime complaints were registered during the same period.
Nepal Police Spokesperson Dinesh Kumar Acharya described these impulse-driven murders as part of a disturbing trend. “Unlike premeditated crimes, these incidents show no warning signs, making prevention nearly impossible,” he said. “Police can only investigate and ensure justice for victims.” Acharya underlined the need for increased social awareness to prevent such incidents. “Families must pay close attention to behavioral changes in their children,” he said. “Crimes often occur in heated moments. The risk of violence has been growing with rising unemployment and aimlessness among youths.” He added that most of these crimes stem from personal issues, such as financial problems or relationship conflicts.
Lalitpur Police Chief Adhikari said that although police monitor individuals with known criminal backgrounds, it is difficult to prevent spontaneous disputes among friends or within families.
Former DIG of Nepal Police, Hemant Malla Thakuri, said passion-driven crimes are difficult to anticipate. “These acts happen suddenly, without clear signals. But some could be prevented if people at the scene exercised caution,” he said.
