The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has recorded four cases of chorten vandalism so far in 2025, with incidents reported in Haa, Trashigang, Lhuentse, and Trashiyangtse.
As per the data, Bhutan recorded 51 vandalism cases in 2024, of which most were related to chortens. 43 cases were chortens and 8 cases were of lhakhangs.
Paro saw the highest number of reported cases (9), followed by Mongar (6) and Thimphu (5).
In 2023, a total of 54 cases were recorded, including 50 chorten and 4 lhakhang cases. Dzongkhag wise, Trashiyangtse recorded the highest number with 12 cases of chorten and 1 case of lhakhang, followed by Wangdue with 8 cases of chorten and 1 case of lhakhang.
The year 2022 saw 52 cases, comprising 47 chorten and five lhakhang incidents. Thimphu and Trashigang recorded the highest cases with 9 cases each, 8 in chorten and 1 lhakhang case.
Over the last ten years, 768 cases of chorten and lhakhang vandalism cases were reported. Most were chorten cases with 732 reported cases compared to 36 lhakhang cases.
RBP said the challenges in solving chorten vandalism cases is primarily due to their remote locations.
RBP stated, “Many chortens are scattered across villages and forests, making it difficult to monitor them closely. Thefts often go unnoticed for weeks or even months before being reported, making investigations more complex.”
RBP said that timely reporting is crucial for solving such cases, “The faster the case is reported, the better the chances of gathering evidence and identifying the culprits.”
RBP said that they have been working with the Department of Culture, Dratshang Tensung team, and Local Governments to enhance security measures, including installation of CCTV cameras specially in vulnerable locations as an immediate measure.
Others include strengthening security infrastructure, such as reinforced doors and advanced locking systems. Assigning caretakers and kayngyers on salary basis.
A recent coordination meeting was held to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of different agencies, including the Department of Culture under the Home Ministry, local governments, Dratsang and RBP. However, specific responsibilities are still being finalized.
In the meeting it was discussed that a dedicated committee will be formed that will work further towards strengthening the security of chortens and lhakhang in the country.
RBP said that there is a need for categorization.
RBP said, “The need for categorization is very important, especially in terms of chortens. Our country has so many chortens, some of which are even difficult to identify since the structures are very old and some of them are stacked stones. Particularly the old ones do not have any specific accounts of nangtens and once the theft happens no one is aware what all antics were inside or the question of whether there was any antiques.”
RBP further said, “Our country already has enough chortens and lhakhangs, so we would not encourage for more. However, if it needs to be built then we will encourage a strong concrete be used such as cement so that it will be difficult for theft and there should be account keeping of every relic that is placed.”
RBP attributed vandalism to several factors, including remote and poorly secured locations, high black-market demand for religious artifacts, unemployment and financial struggles, illicit trade of religious antiques, negligence by caretakers and lack of proper inventory and storage facilities for sacred relics.
RBP said the challenges in tackling the issue include lack of community support, difficulty in monitoring remote areas, budget constraints, late reporting of crimes, unclear jurisdictional responsibilities, and reluctance in sharing information.
Crime and Operation Department, RBP said, “We are working towards categorizing chortens and lhakhang based on their significance and implementing appropriate security measures accordingly.”
In terms of chortens from 2012 to 2024, there were 1291 cases registered, 184 solved, and 1,107 unsolved.
In the case of lhakhangs from 2012-24, there were 69 cases registered, 26 solved, and 43 unsolved.
