A local elected representative has been arrested for allegedly dismantling and selling off parts of a bridge destroyed by last year’s monsoon floods, police said on Tuesday.

Ashok Gautam, chair of ward 7 in Roshi Rural Municipality, was detained after investigators found he had sold remnants of a washed-away iron bridge to scrap dealers and received payment through mobile banking.

The bridge, which linked Namobuddha Municipality–6 and Roshi–7 in Kavre district, was swept away in September last year during days of torrential rain that caused widespread flooding.

“Remaining metal parts from the damaged bridge were sold without authorisation,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Min Bahadur Ghale. “Payment records and dealer testimony pointed directly to Gautam.”

Police say Gautam and Tika Bahadur KC, ward chair of Namobuddha–6, agreed to split the earnings from the illicit sale. Two tipper trucks used to transport the materials were also seized.

The scrap traders involved told police they had obtained recommendation letters from the ward office and presented payment slips. Authorities are now examining those documents.

Gautam faces theft charges along with four others: Montu Kumar, 32, of India’s Bihar state; Jitendra Paswan, 39, from Sarlahi district; and two truck drivers from Kavre. All are in custody pending further investigation.

Police plan to seek a custody extension from the Kavre District Court.