Two Arrested for Selling Bone Fragments from Corpse at Pashupatinath Aryaghat

Kathmandu — Police have arrested two individuals accused of removing bone fragments from a corpse undergoing cremation at Pashupatinath Aryaghat and attempting to sell them. According to Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Chand of the Kathmandu District Police Office, the arrests were made on Friday following complaints filed by victims alleging the illicit sale of human remains.

“Victims have lodged complaints claiming bones were sold,” SP Chand said. “No bone fragments have been recovered so far, but investigations are ongoing.” Police sources confirmed one of the suspects is a ‘ghate bahun’ (a Brahmin working at the cremation site), believed to be the main accused involved in extracting the bone fragments.

The second suspect was responsible for carrying the funeral pyre. The incident came to light after mourners witnessed the bone fragments being sold. Police reached the site but found no buyers present.

The arrested suspects admitted to selling the bones out of greed, reportedly receiving NPR 400 to 500. The victims’ families have filed complaints against the two for misconduct. The motive behind the sale of the bone fragments remains under investigation. This incident has raised concerns over the sanctity of religious sites.