Seven Arrested After Youth Kidnapped From Kalanki Over Rs 18 Lakh PUBG Virtual Diamond Dispute

Kathmandu, 17 August 2026,

Kathmandu police have rescued a 26 year old man who was allegedly kidnapped from Kalanki and taken to Nagarjun, where he was tied up and tortured over a financial dispute linked to PUBG virtual diamonds and online currency transactions.

Police have arrested seven people in connection with the kidnapping. The victim, identified as Naveen Rai of Janakpur, was reportedly unaware of the financial dispute that led to his abduction.

Youth Kidnapped From Kalanki

According to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Rai was kidnapped from Kalanki on Shrawan 28.

Police said seven people were involved in taking him from a cafe in Kalanki to Chhagdol in Nagarjun Municipality 5.

A police team later located and rescued Rai. He was found with his hands and legs tied and had allegedly been tortured, according to SSP Santosh Khadka of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office.

Rs. 18 Lakh Demanded From Victim

Police said the suspects demanded Rs 18 lakh from Rai while keeping him under their control.

Investigators believe the kidnapping was connected to a dispute involving PUBG virtual diamonds and online financial transactions.

However, police said Rai himself did not know about the financial dealings behind the dispute.

Rai works as a coffee maker at Royal Cafe and Thakali Bhanchaghar in Thamel.

Main Suspect Connected With Indian Citizen Online

Police identified 32 year old Manoj Budhathoki as the main suspect in the case. He is originally from Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality 3 in Ramechhap and was living in Kalanki.

According to investigators, Budhathoki had been communicating for around a week through social media with an Indian citizen identified as Rohit.

The two had never met in person.

Police said Rohit had posted an advertisement on social media offering to load dollar cards. During their online communication, Rohit reportedly discussed providing a higher dollar rate for online boosting purposes.

Trust Wallet And UC Coin Transaction

As their online communication continued, Rohit reportedly asked Budhathoki to download the Trust Wallet application.

Investigators said a transaction involving 18,000 units of virtual currency known as UC Coin was then arranged.

The case later became connected to virtual diamonds won through the online game PUBG.

According to investigators, Budhathoki was supposed to receive virtual diamonds from PUBG. The diamonds were reportedly worth around Rs 12 lakh.

Rohit had allegedly told him that the amount could be converted into USDT and that he could provide a higher amount through the transaction.

Victim Sent To Kalanki Cafe

Police said Rohit told Budhathoki that he would send someone to help with loading the money onto a dollar card.

Rohit then sent Rai to Bhetghat Cafe in Kalanki to meet Budhathoki and his associates.

Rai went to the cafe without knowing about the financial dispute between Rohit and Budhathoki, according to police.

Investigators said Budhathoki and the other suspects then kidnapped Rai from the cafe and took him to Nagarjun.

Victim Tied Up And Tortured

After taking Rai to Chhagdol in Nagarjun Municipality 5, the group allegedly tied his hands and legs and tortured him while demanding Rs 18 lakh linked to the virtual diamond dispute.

SSP Khadka said Rai had no knowledge of the financial transaction between Rohit and the suspects.

Police eventually traced the group and rescued Rai from the location.

Seven People Arrested

Police arrested seven suspects over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping.

Those arrested have been identified as Manoj Budhathoki of Ramechhap, Pradip Pokharel of Malarani Rural Municipality 3 in Arghakhanchi, Nimesh Karki of Likhu Rural Municipality 5 in Okhaldhunga, Dev Kumar Shrestha of Bhumlu in Kavre, Jenish Chaudhary of Lalbandi Municipality in Sarlahi, Amit Oli of Rapti Municipality 2 in Chitwan and Nishan Rumba of Bagmati Rural Municipality in Makwanpur.

Police are continuing their investigation into the case and the circumstances surrounding the online transactions.

Indian Citizen Remains Out Of Contact

The Indian citizen identified as Rohit, who allegedly communicated with Budhathoki and sent Rai to meet the group in Kalanki, remains out of contact.

Investigators are examining how the PUBG virtual diamond transaction, UC Coin, Trust Wallet and proposed USDT conversion were connected to the kidnapping and the Rs 18 lakh demand.

The case shows how an online financial dispute involving virtual gaming assets allegedly developed into a serious criminal case involving kidnapping and torture.