riminal Liability For Street Gang Violence In Kathmandu Valley
Case 1: Kumari Tole Gang Clash (2024)
Facts:
In Kathmandu Metropolitan City‑9, two rival gangs clashed, leading to the death of a 24-year-old man named Shambhu Dhimal.
The fight involved knives and sticks, escalating from a minor argument over local territorial control.
Legal Issues:
Charges included culpable homicide (if intent to kill is proven), assault with a weapon, illegal assembly, and disturbing public order.
Police also considered joint liability for gang members who were present but did not directly attack.
Investigation:
Four gang members were arrested.
Evidence included eyewitness accounts and recovered sharp weapons.
Outcome & Significance:
Illustrates liability for participants in gang violence, even if not the principal attacker.
Shows how public peace is disrupted and additional charges may be applied under the Penal Code.
Case 2: Khadkagaon Fatal Fight (2025)
Facts:
In Kathmandu Metropolitan City‑14, a gang fight caused the death of 23-year-old Abhay Tamang.
Sixteen gang members were arrested; the victim was stabbed with a khukuri.
Legal Issues:
Primary liability for murder rested with the person who wielded the weapon.
Others faced charges for abetment, conspiracy, illegal possession of weapons, and participation in criminal assembly.
Investigation:
Police conducted raids in multiple districts, indicating inter-district mobility of gangs.
Remand was sought to continue detailed investigation.
Outcome & Significance:
Demonstrates how multiple participants are held criminally liable depending on their role.
Reinforces strict penalties for violent gang activity with weapons.
Case 3: Gang Leader Milan Gurung and Associates (2025)
Facts:
Milan Gurung, alias “Chakre Milan,” led a gang involved in public disturbances, weapons display, and coercion in Kathmandu.
Police arrested 19 associates for public offence crimes and weapon-related violations.
Legal Issues:
Liability extended beyond direct violence to include organising, incitement, and supervision of criminal acts.
Charges included illegal assembly, public nuisance, and prior violent offences.
Investigation:
Authorities profiled gang members and assessed prior criminal history.
Investigation targeted both active participants and organisers.
Outcome & Significance:
Highlights leader liability in gang operations.
Shows law enforcement strategy focusing on preventing organised violence rather than only reactive arrests.
Case 4: Imadol Impulse Killing (2025)
Facts:
Ripesh Khati (30) was fatally stabbed by Suman Rasaili (25) after a personal dispute in Lalitpur.
The altercation occurred near a gang-influenced area, reflecting the influence of local street gang culture.
Legal Issues:
Liability for homicide, assault with a sharp weapon, and potential accessory involvement if gang members were present.
Courts consider provocation versus premeditation when assessing sentences.
Investigation:
Arrest was made shortly after the incident.
Evidence included eyewitness accounts and post-mortem reports.
Outcome & Significance:
Shows how gang culture can escalate minor disputes into deadly violence.
Highlights the interplay between impulsive acts and gang-related contexts.
Case 5: Thamel Shooting Gang (2010–2014)
Facts:
A gang carried out multiple armed robberies and shootings in Thamel, Kathmandu. Two victims, including an Indian trader, were killed.
Suspects were arrested three years after the incidents.
Legal Issues:
Charges included murder, armed robbery, illegal possession and use of firearms, and conspiracy.
Liability extended to all gang members involved in planning or assisting, even if not directly shooting.
Investigation:
Multi-year investigation involved tracking gang networks and evidence collection across districts.
Outcome & Significance:
Illustrates organized criminal liability and the complexity of prosecuting multi-year gang operations.
Shows heavy penalties for armed gang violence and murder.
Case 6: Gang-related Public Disturbance and Convoys (2025)
Facts:
In Kathmandu, a gang led by Milan Gurung conducted street convoys, public displays, and minor violent incidents to assert dominance.
Police treated these as public offence crimes.
Legal Issues:
Charges focused on illegal assembly, public nuisance, intimidation, and potential prelude to violent acts.
Even without a direct killing, law recognizes organised intimidation as criminal.
Investigation:
Police documented convoys, collected witness statements, and profiled participants.
Outcome & Significance:
Reinforces the principle that gang leaders can be criminally liable for orchestrating violence, even without directly committing a homicide.
Law addresses both immediate acts and systemic threat posed by gangs.
Key Observations Across Cases
Liability is tiered: Direct attackers, accomplices, and organisers each face criminal liability.
Weapons escalate charges: Knives, khukuris, and firearms lead to aggravated sentencing.
Gang culture increases risk: Young adults often participate; minor disputes escalate into deadly violence.
Public order offences matter: Gang presence in streets is treated seriously even if no killing occurs.
Inter-district mobility: Suspects frequently come from outside Kathmandu, complicating investigation.
Leader and organiser liability: Law extends to those coordinating, supervising, or facilitating gang violence.
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