Tragic: Nepal Flash Flood Victim's Body Dragged, Gold Earrings Stolen

A heartbreaking story has emerged from the flash flood disaster in Nepal and Tibet. Amid rescue efforts, two people were arrested for stealing gold earrings from the body of a disaster victim who was swept away by the currents of the Narayani River.

A viral video shows two men taking what is believed to be a gold earring from the body of a woman carried away by the flood. Nepalese police later reposted the 41-second video and stated that the two men had been detained.

Citing NDTV, the video shows how the two men pulled the woman’s body out of the water using a wooden plank and the victim’s hair. They then removed earrings from both of the victim’s ears and placed them aside.

Several people were seen standing around the location and recording the incident using their mobile phones. Chitwan police later said that based on the investigation, the incident was related to the body of a victim who was swept into the Narayani River due to the major flood.

Based on the video, police identified the two suspects as Madan Gurung, 25, and Umesh Chaudhary, 38. Nepalese media Khabarhub reported, citing the police, that the two suspects were arrested near Pokhara Bus Park, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-1, on Thursday local time.

“Looting or inhumane acts of any kind against victims in difficult situations will not be tolerated,” police said.

To date, rescue teams are still sifting through mud to search for victims of the Nepal and Tibet flood disaster. In an update on Friday afternoon, at least several people were killed and more than 1,400 people were reported missing.

“The thickness of the mud in the area around the site averages more than 1.5 metres,” the rescue team said.

Chinese state television, CCTV, reported that all roads leading to the crossing had been damaged. The potential for further landslides also remains as rain continues to pour over the area.