KATHMANDU: The Metropolitan Crime Division (MCD) has arrested three security personnel and one civilian with red panda hides.

The arrested have been identified as Nepal Army (NA) personnel Nir Bahadur Ghale, Nepal Police office assistants Mohan Karna Karki, Krishna Tamang, and civilian Suresh Giri.

MCD Chief Chandra Kunwar Khapung confirmed the arrest of four but could not ascertain the involvement of personnel of the NA. “Two of the arrested are Nepal Police personnel while confirmation of NA personnel is yet to be received,” Khapung said.

If the arrested is confirmed to belong to the NA then NA Headquarters will probe and take action against the personnel. “NA personnel do not reveal their association to evade proceedings of the military court,” he said. “We will coordinate with NA Headquarters and hand over the NA personnel if it is ascertained that he belongs to the NA.”

Four red panda skins were recovered from them and further investigation is underway, said police.