Over Rs 1 million cash, mobile phones and iron rods recovered from Morang prison block

Morang, September 10, 2026 — A joint team of Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force recovered two mobile phones, eight iron rods and more than Rs 1 million in cash during a search of Block B of the District Prison, Morang, on Thursday.

The search was conducted at around 11:00 a.m. after concerns were raised about security conditions inside the block and allegations that some prisoners had exercised influence there for an extended period. Morang Police Chief SP Kabit Katawal said an investigation was underway to determine the source and intended use of the recovered cash.

The two mobile phones were found in Room No. 1, where Manish BK (Bishwakarma) resides, while the eight iron rods were recovered from neighboring Room No. 2. The cash was discovered at a grocery shop operating inside the prison block.

According to the preliminary investigation, BK, who is being held pending trial in a rape case, had allegedly been using SIM cards in both phones to communicate with people outside the prison. Investigators suspect he may have been using the phones for several years.

Personal mobile phones are prohibited inside prisons. Prisoners are instead allowed to contact their relatives through landline telephones provided by the prison administration.

The source of the recovered cash is also being investigated. Jailer Rajan Ghimire said prisoners receive an Rs 80 daily food allowance in addition to their regular rations, which are distributed every 15 days.

The most recent allowance distribution took place on September 3, when at least Rs 1,200 per prisoner was distributed to 572 prisoners in Block B. The prison administration is examining whether the recovered money could be connected to these allowances and is investigating how the cash came to be held at the grocery shop.

The eight iron rods were recovered from Room No. 2, which had previously been occupied by then-chowkidar Bishal Niraula and Indian citizen Chanchal Verma.