The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Police recover 45 of 64 Phurpas stolen from Thadra Goenpa, with two Singaporean nationals voluntarily returning three
An investigation into the vandalism of chortens (stupas) and burglaries of lhakhangs (monasteries) across five dzongkhags has linked 18 suspects to 35 cases dating from 2015 to 2026, with the cases forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), according to the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP).
The investigation by RBP covers 22 chorten vandalism cases and 13 lhakhang cases in Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue, Punakha and Bumthang.
Police said the offences involved the theft of sacred relics and religious artefacts, some of which were subsequently sold to buyers abroad.
Although the burglary at Thadra Goenpa, in which 64 sacred phurpas or ritual daggers were stolen, took place in 2023, police clarified that the wider investigation uncovered offences dating back to 2015.
The earlier date refers to the Thadra Goenpa burglary, while the broader timeline emerged from the investigation and statements made by the suspects.
The investigation began following a series of chorten vandalism incidents reported to South Thimphu Police Station this year.
In response, police established a temporary checkpoint along the Thimphu-Phuntsholing Highway near Khasadrapchu Junction to monitor suspicious movements.
On 15th May 2026, duty personnel at Khasadrapchu Checkpoint intercepted a vehicle travelling during odd hours.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a bowl, known as a thro, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team to investigate the case.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to involvement in vandalising chortens at various locations.
Information obtained during the questioning subsequently helped investigators establish links with earlier Lhakhang vandalism and burglary cases.
The investigation also led to the recovery of several sacred relics and artefacts beyond those stolen from Thadra Goenpa.
These include several thro, patang, statues and old antique items taken from other religious sites.
Police also confirmed the recovery of a cyambal connected to the same offences.
45 of 64 phurpas recovered
Among the most significant recoveries were the phurpas stolen from Thadra Goenpa in 2023.
Police said 42 of the 64 ritual daggers were recovered from Nepal through sustained investigation and the efforts of the Special Investigation Team, with support and cooperation from relevant authorities in Bhutan and abroad.
Three more phurpas were voluntarily returned by two Singaporean nationals who had purchased them during trips to Nepal several years ago. The two travelled to Bhutan to return the sacred objects after learning of their significance and connection to the burglary.
The two Singaporeans who voluntarily returned items
On 5th October 2026, all 45 recovered phurpas were ceremonially returned to the main lhakhang at Thadra Goenpa following a purification ceremony administered by Laytshog Lopon of Zhung Dratshang.
The recovered objects were verified by officials from the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs and representatives of the Monastic Body before being formally restored to the custody and ownership of the Goenpa.
Police said none of the recovered phurpas had been damaged or altered.
However, 19 of the 64 ritual daggers remain unaccounted for, and the investigation team is continuing efforts to locate and recover them.
International efforts and security of religious sites
The investigation has revealed that some stolen sacred relics were sold to buyers in foreign countries.
RBP said it is working with foreign authorities to trace Bhutanese religious artefacts that may still be held outside the country.
Police have also acknowledged broader security vulnerabilities at some chortens and lhakhangs, particularly those in remote locations and areas with limited monitoring.
RBP said measures to improve security at vulnerable religious sites are being planned and that custodians have been advised on protective measures.
The police also maintain a registry of reported stolen sacred relics to help identify and trace artefacts if they surface elsewhere.
The suspects will face offences under Sections 351 and 353 of the Penal Code of Bhutan 2004, relating to offences against Ku, Sung, Thuk-ten or Zung and the illegal purchase or sale of such sacred objects.
