Nepal police arrest two men for stealing jewelry from flood victim

Nepal authorities have arrested two men, identified as Madan Gurung and Umesh Chaudhary, for allegedly stealing gold earrings from the body of a woman killed in recent catastrophic flash floods. The arrests followed the circulation of video footage on social media showing the suspects using a bamboo pole to reach the deceased's body amidst debris and mud.

The theft has sparked widespread public outrage and raised concerns regarding the difficulty of victim identification, as the removal of personal items can hinder forensic processes. Nepal Police described the incident as “inhumane” conduct toward a disaster victim.

The arrests occur as the region grapples with a massive natural disaster caused by an ice and rock avalanche that blocked a tributary, triggering a surge of mud and debris along the Bhotekoshi river. The official death toll has risen to 392 people, with 389 deaths in Nepal and three in China. Approximately 1,500 people remain missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists from 31 different countries. Search and rescue operations continue in the Trishuli and Bhotekoshi river areas, though heavy mud and debris are complicating efforts.