May 24: Following the investigations in connection with the vandalism of the Shera-Dra-Gu Lhakhang in Paro, police have arrested several people in connection with chorten vandalism in various parts of the country.

Police have apprehended four men, two teenage boys and two men in their early twenties, in connection with the chorten vandalism at Pana C under Samphelling geog in Chhukha Dzongkhag. The vandalism took place on the night of May 12.

Police have also recovered two Tshela Namsum statues, four brass butter lamps, 11 copper bowls used for offering water on the altar, 12 brass bowls, and a plate used for offering Tsho.

In Dagana three men have been detained in connection with the Chichopangkha and Kheshupangkha chorten vandalism. The incident took place in January this year. Dagana Police are investigating the case.

In Paro, two men have confessed to vandalizing the Kumbu Chorten at Sheradragu under Dotey geog. With another accomplice, they have also confessed to vandalizing the Topangkha and Dechenphu chortens under Wangchang geog in Paro on April 3.

The Paro police have recovered one Chana Dorji statue, two chortens, one silver Gaw or amulet and one small statue from a cave near the river bank of Gepjana Rongchu in Bondey.

A police spokesperson said the investigations are likely to lead to several other arrests. He said the cases will be forwarded to the court adding that the Royal Bhutan Police will leave no stone unturned to arrest the culprits involved in chorten and Lhakhang vandalism.