Fugitive in Manslaughter Case Captured After 22 Years

MYAGDI, JULY 2

Fugitive in Manslaughter Case Captured After 22 Years, Evading the law for more than two decades, Khim Bahadur Garbuja, a fugitive convicted in a manslaughter and murder case, has finally been arrested by police. Garbuja, 40, a resident of Dagnam, Ward No. 4, Raghuganga Rural Municipality, in Myagdi district, was apprehended in Lamachaur, located in Pokhara Metropolitan City-19.

According to Sagar Poudel, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Myagdi, Garbuja had been on the run since his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred in 2060 BS (2003 AD) in his home village of Dagnam. At the time, a violent dispute reportedly escalated, resulting in the death of a local resident. Following a legal process that lasted several years, the Myagdi District Court sentenced Garbuja to 20 years of imprisonment on 11th Jestha, 2068 BS (May 25, 2011 AD) for his role in the crime. However, by the time the verdict was handed down, Garbuja had already fled and remained a fugitive.

For the past 22 years, police say he managed to change his residence frequently and use false identities to evade capture. Despite multiple efforts by law enforcement agencies, his whereabouts remained unknown, until recently, when intelligence gathered by the District Police Office, Myagdi, indicated his presence in the Pokhara area.

Based on the tip-off, a special police team was deployed to Lamachaur, where they conducted surveillance and successfully apprehended Garbuja without resistance. His arrest was made possible through coordination between Myagdi police and local security personnel in Pokhara.

“This arrest is the result of persistent efforts and monitoring by our officers,” said Officer Poudel. “Fugitives may run, but they cannot hide forever. Justice always catches up.”

Following his capture, Garbuja was immediately taken back to Myagdi District, where he has now been remanded to judicial custody. He was presented before the Myagdi District Court, which has ordered the execution of his pending sentence.

The Myagdi police have emphasized that the hunt for long time absconders remains a top priority. With advancements in digital record keeping, surveillance systems, and inter-district coordination, law enforcement agencies are now better equipped to locate individuals who attempt to avoid serving their legal sentences.

This case also highlights the challenges Nepal justice system faces when convicted individuals abscond before sentencing enforcement. Officials hope Garbuja arrest sends a strong message to other fugitives still at large.

Police have urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any information about persons involved in criminal activities, especially those who have been declared fugitives by the courts.