In the “special operation against goons” launched two weeks ago, offices under the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Range, Hanuman-dhoka, arrested 48 goons for their alleged involvement in public offence, attempted murder and extortion.

Some of these infamous gangsters include Tejendra Gurung, a loyalist of notorious don Deepak Manange, and Panche Lama of Kavre.

The Metropolitan Police Circle, Maharajung, arrested Gurung, who extorted pharmaceutical companies and big contractors.

The New Baneshwor Police Circle arrested Lama on a similar charge.

The Singha Durbar Circle arrested Rinkaj Limbu aka Rinky and Pinkaj Limbu aka Pinku, infamously known as Rinky Pinky, who had control over the procurements of major companies and government institutions including the Thapathali-based Maternity Hospital.

Of the 48 people arrested in the period, police have filed abduction cases against five goons while four have been charged with attempted murder. The rest have been booked under public offence.

On Saturday, police arrested Baghe aka Suk Bahadur Lama who had been extorting money in the name of social work. Baghe is a vice-president of Community Service Centre, Swoyambhu. He has been held several times on various charges since 2002.

Coincidentally, the special campaign to round up the miscreants began after Bale aka Balram Sapkota, a notorious figure of the casino world, was arrested after he showed up at the Hanumandhoka Police Range to meet SSP Kharel on February 7.

“By the end of the campaign, we also arrested gamblers and destroyed hooch,” said SP Narayan Singh Khadka of the Kathmandu Range. He said police have adopted a zero tolerance policy against crimes.

Police destroyed 19,840 litres of hooch while 14 people were arrested on the charge of theft and 19 were held along with contraband drugs.