Royal Bhutan Police

08/10/2026

Historic Project 108: 01 November 2026

06/10/2026

MoHA and RBP Sign Annual Performance Agreement 2026–2027

06 October 2026 | Thimphu

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) today signed the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) for the Financial Year 2026–2027, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening public safety and modernising policing services.

The APA, signed by the Minister of Home Affairs and the Chief of Police, comprises eight key deliverables and 40 activities, focusing on technology-enabled and community-based policing, drug demand reduction, grassroots mobility and response capacity, police infrastructure, human resource development, fire services, smart traffic management, and prisoner rehabilitation.

A total capital budget of Nu. 393.568 million has been approved for the implementation of the agreed activities.

The APA aims to strengthen the RBP’s capacity to deliver responsive, accessible and people-centred policing, while enhancing community engagement and modernising police infrastructure and service delivery.

The signing reflects a shared commitment between MoHA and RBP to safer communities, stronger institutions and more effective policing across the country.

06/10/2026

Recovery of Sacred Relics

Over the past few months, Thimphu Police have arrested 18 suspects in connection with offences involving Ku Sung Thuk-ten and Zung, including a number of burglaries of Lhakhangs and vandalism of Chortens in Thimphu and other Dzongkhags.

The in-depth investigation revealed that several sacred relics and artefacts had been stolen from various Chortens and Lhakhangs and subsequently sold to buyers in foreign countries. Among these were 64 priceless Phurpas (ritual daggers) belonging to Thadra Goenpa, which were lost during a burglary in 2023.

Following the arrest of suspects involved in the burglary at Thadra Goenpa, sustained investigation efforts by Thimphu Police led to the successful recovery of 42 of the 64 Phurpas. The relics were personally retrieved from Nepal by the Special Investigation Team of Thimphu Police, with the support and cooperation of the relevant authorities in Bhutan and abroad.

In addition to the 42 Phurpas recovered from Nepal through significant investigative and financial efforts, three Phurpas were voluntarily returned by two Singaporean nationals who had purchased them during a trip to Nepal few years ago. The two individuals travelled to Bhutan to return the sacred relics, demonstrating their deep faith and respect for Bhutan’s religious and spiritual traditions and their appreciation of the profound cultural significance these sacred relics hold for Bhutan and the Bhutanese people.

On 5 October 2026, following a purification ceremony administered by His Eminence Laytshog Lopon Rinpoche of Zhung Dratshang, all 45 recovered Phurpas were ceremonially ushered into and restored to the main Lhakhang of Thadra Goenpa. The relics were formally returned to the custody and ownership of Thadra Goenpa.

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

🚦 TRAFFIC NOTICE: BOD JUNCTION 🚦
Dear Motorists,

If you are travelling from Chang Lam or Lungtenzampa towards Memorial Chorten:

➡️ Go underneath the Lungtenzampa bridge.
➡️ Then continue straight ahead in the LEFT LANE.

📹 Please watch the video. It shows the traffic build-up at this junction and how sudden or late lane changes disrupt the smooth flow of traffic, cause unnecessary delays, and increase the risk of side-swipe and other road crashes.

⚠️ REMEMBER:
🔴 Solid Line = DO NOT CHANGE LANES
⚪ Dotted Line = Change lanes only at the designated point, after checking that it is safe to do so.

Please choose your lane early, follow the road markings, and avoid sudden lane changes. A small, unnecessary manoeuvre can cause delays for many vehicles and create a serious safety risk for others.

Follow the markings. Stay in your lane. Drive safe.

01/10/2026

Public Notification

The 13th Tshigduen Soeldep Bumthrak Chhenmo will be held at the Global Peace Prayer Ground, Changlimithang, Thimphu, from 2 to 8 October 2026, presided over by His Eminence Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche.

To prevent traffic congestion and ensure the safety of devotees, given the limited parking space and road capacity, as well as the large number of devotees expected at the venue, the Traffic Unit, RBP would like to inform and request members of the general public wishing to attend this sacred event that parking will not be permitted at the venue. Only pick-up and drop-off services will be allowed.

The general public is kindly requested to cooperate with the traffic police personnel on duty and follow their directions to ensure the smooth flow of traffic throughout the program.

Your kind cooperation is highly appreciated.

Traffic Unit, RBP

01/10/2026

PUBLIC CLARIFICATION AND APPEAL FOR COOPERATION

The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) wishes to clarify the reports circulating on social media regarding an alleged death due to a stampede during the ongoing Paro Kathrid.

On 29 September 2026, a 69-year-old male from Bidung, Trashigang, was admitted to Paro Hospital with complaints of breathing difficulty. Despite receiving medical attention, he was subsequently declared dead at approximately 1630 hours.

As per the attending doctor’s assessment, the death was attributed to a medical condition, with no medical evidence suggesting any connection to a stampede. Although the deceased was present at the religious gathering, the available medical information does not indicate that his death was caused by a stampede. We therefore request the public to refrain from circulating unverified information and speculation regarding this unfortunate incident.

An Earnest Appeal for Public Cooperation

The ongoing Paro Kathrid has attracted an exceptionally large number of devotees, far exceeding initial expectations, while the available space and facilities remain limited.

RBP acknowledges the concerns and difficulties expressed by the public regarding crowd management and other arrangements. We sincerely appreciate your understanding as police, Desuung volunteers, organisers and relevant agencies continue working together to address these challenges and ensure public safety.

We earnestly appeal to all devotees and visitors to exercise patience, follow instructions from police personnel, Desuung and organisers, and cooperate with crowd movement and safety arrangements. Particular care and consideration should be extended to elderly persons, children and those requiring assistance.

Ensuring everyone’s safety is a shared responsibility. Let us demonstrate patience, compassion and mutual understanding during this sacred occasion, allowing the religious gathering to proceed peacefully and with dignity.

RBP sincerely appreciates the continued cooperation and understanding of the public.

24/09/2026

LOST AND FOUND ITEMS – THIMPHU TSHECHU

The Royal Bhutan Police has the following items lost during the recent Thimphu Tshechu:

1. 3 rachus
2. 2 kabneys
3. 1 red shawl
4. 1 camera with camera bag
5. 1 umbrella
6. 1 pair of sunglasses
7. 1 interlock key
8. 1 city bus card

The rightful owners are requested to contact the North Thimphu Police Station to claim their belongings.

Items will be handed over after ownership has been verified.

24/09/2026

TRAFFIC NOTIFICATION FOR KAA-THRI AT PARO
26 Sept - 12 October 2026

To ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety and convenience of the public during Paro Kathri hours, the following traffic arrangements will be in place:

- One-Way Traffic: Traffic will move one-way from Nyemi Zampa towards the Main Town.

- Traffic Diversion: Airport- and Thimphu-bound traffic from Nemjo / Upper town will be diverted towards Taju–Khangku road from the Police Station Roundabout through back side roads of Paro town.
One way Traffic movement towards Nyemi Zampa will be closed from Police Station Round about during the Khatri hours. All the traffic movements within the backside of main town road shall be normal.

- Kaja Throm / First Town Roundabout: Traffic flows one way towards Nemjo through the main town and toward the Taju Hospital roundabout; right turns into the taxi parking area are prohibited. Incoming vehicles from the Taju Hospital roundabout must turn left through the taxi parking area onto the town's rear road to reach either the rear paid parking or the Nemjo general parking.

North Drop-off/Pick-up Zone: Designated drop-off and pick-up points will be available along the Yanki Sales back road and adjoining road towards main road and then take right turn to proceed towards Nemjo general parking.

South Drop-off/Pick-up Zone: Drop-off and pick-up will be permitted along the stretch from Nyemi Zampa to the first roundabout of the Main Town. However, vehicles may drop off or pick up passengers at Nyemi Zampa and proceed back towards the Airport.

General Parking: Private vehicles wishing to use paid parking may park in the Town parking area. All other vehicles will be directed to Nemjo Public Parking.

Taxi Service from Nemjo Parking: Visitors parking at Nemjo may use taxi services to reach the designated drop-off points in town. Alternatively, visitors may walk to the town area.

Carpooling: Members of the public are strongly encouraged to carpool and travel together wherever possible to reduce traffic congestion and ease the pressure on parking spaces.

The public is requested to follow the traffic instructions, cooperate with traffic personnel and make use of the designated parkings and drop-off/pick-up areas.

For more information and clarification, please contact Paro Police at 17679023.

20/09/2026

INTEGRITY IN ACTION 🇧🇹

A heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Jamtsho for handing over a red bag he found while returning from Paro Taktsang to the Central Thimphu Police Station.

The bag contained clothing, a wallet with Bhutanese and foreign currencies, coins, and a Student Pass in the name of Bunk Soumya.

His honesty and sense of responsibility are truly commendable.

The rightful owner has been identified and contacted for verification and collection.