How a Fleeing Drug Smuggler Was Tracked and Arrested After Nepal’s Gen‑Z Protests

In a dramatic cross‑border crime saga spanning Nepal and India, Ahmedabad police have arrested a notorious drug smuggler who fled custody amid the violent Gen‑Z protests that shook Nepal in late 2025. The story brings together international drug trafficking, political unrest, and a persistent police investigation all elements of a real‑life thriller that every citizen should know about.

Ahmedabad police arrest notorious drug smuggler who escaped during Nepal’s Gen‑Z protests, ending a months-long cross-border manhunt.

The Arrest in Gujarat: What Happened?

On January 27, 2026, the Special Operations Group (SOG) Crime Branch of Ahmedabad arrested Dharmesh Rasiklal Chunara, a resident of Ahmedabad who had been on the run since escaping from a Nepalese prison last year.

Chunara had originally been arrested at Kathmandu Airport in July 2025 after authorities found 13 kilograms of high‑grade hybrid ganja, estimated to be worth about ₹13 crore, in his possession. He was subsequently lodged in Bhadra Jail under Nepal’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

The Nepal Unrest and Jailbreak

However, during the Gen‑Z protests that erupted across Nepal in September 2025, widespread civil unrest led to a violent jailbreak at Bhadra Jail. Protesters stormed the facility, allowing multiple inmates including Chunara to flee.

These protests, led largely by Nepal’s younger generation, were sparked by political grievances and opposition to controversial government policies. The chaos gave rise to several jailbreaks and significant challenges for Nepalese authorities.

Cross Border Manhunt

After the jailbreak, the Nepalese government shared a list of escaped Indian prisoners with Indian agencies through the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and other law enforcement departments.

In Gujarat, the CID Crime Branch in Gandhinagar coordinated with Ahmedabad police to track down those fugitives. Because initial records didn’t include full addresses, police used a combination of human intelligence, technical surveillance, and painstaking analysis to finally trace Chunara to Ahmedabad.

According to reports, Chunara had made his way into India via the Sonauli border near Uttar Pradesh before reaching Ahmedabad, where he was finally apprehended.

What’s Next? Extradition and Legal Proceedings

With Chunara now in custody, authorities are expected to initiate legal procedures to coordinate with Nepal for his extradition and prosecution under international narcotics and criminal law.

The investigation remains ongoing, including whether other accomplices one from Surat reportedly still absconding are involved.

Why This Case Matters

This incident highlights several important themes:

Cross‑Border Crime and Cooperation

The case underscores how criminal networks operate across national borders and why robust international cooperation between law enforcement agencies is essential

Impact of Political Unrest

Civil unrest like the Gen‑Z protests in Nepal can have unexpected consequences, including enabling prisoners to escape and evade justice.

Persistent Policing

The determination of Indian police, especially using modern surveillance and intelligence methods, played a crucial role in tracking down a fugitive who could have easily blended into local life for months.

Final Thoughts

The arrest of Dharmesh Rasiklal Chunara sends a strong message: no matter where a criminal hides, persistent investigation and international cooperation can ensure justice is served. As the case moves toward extradition and trial, it will continue to be a point of interest for both legal watchers and the public at large.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.