Tripureshwor Bus Fire: Why Did Arjun Dong Dispute with Traffic Police? What His Family and Police Say

Kathmandu, Nepal: The death of bus driver Arjun Dong Tamang following a bus fire at Tripureshwor has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident, the dispute with traffic police, and the identity and documents used by the driver.

The incident occurred on Monday at Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, after a reported dispute between the bus driver and traffic police over a traffic fine. The driver was seriously injured when a Riddhi Siddhi Yatayat bus caught fire and was taken to a burn hospital in Kirtipur. He later died during treatment. Police said approximately 90 percent of his body had suffered burns.

What Happened at Tripureshwor?

According to the preliminary police investigation, the dispute began after traffic police stopped the bus and sought to take action over an alleged traffic violation.

A video of the incident circulated on social media and showed an argument between the driver and traffic police. The driver reportedly disputed the proposed fine and said he had not committed an offence.

According to a statement issued by transport operators, the bus had been travelling from Mulpani toward Thankot. Near the eye hospital at Tripureshwor, a motorcycle was reportedly obstructing the road, prompting the driver to use the horn.

The transport operators claimed that the traffic police subsequently stopped the bus and asked for documents, leading to an argument when the driver disputed the proposed action. These claims remain part of the broader investigation.

Bus Caught Fire After the Dispute

Shortly after the argument, the bus caught fire.

Police have preliminarily stated that the driver may have started the fire himself after the dispute. However, authorities have emphasized that the final circumstances can only be established after a detailed investigation.

The driver was rescued and taken to Kirtipur Burn Hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he died from his injuries.

Driver Identified as Arjun Dong

Initial reports identified the injured driver as Dawa Lama of Kavre, based on a driving licence found with him.

However, subsequent investigation established that the deceased driver was actually 25-year-old Arjun Dong Tamang from Sisneri, Indrasarowar Rural Municipality, Makwanpur.

Local representatives and family members reportedly helped establish his identity through birth-registration and other documents.

According to local representatives, Arjun had been working as a driver in Kathmandu and was supporting his family by driving someone else's bus. Reports also state that he had a wife and a five-year-old son.

Questions Over the Driving Licence

One of the major issues emerging from the investigation concerns the documents used by the deceased.

Police say Arjun was found carrying a driving licence issued in another person's name. Authorities are investigating how and why he was using another person's identification and driving documents.

Police have also linked him to earlier incidents in which licences belonging to other individuals were allegedly used. These are police allegations and remain subject to investigation.

Earlier Dispute with Traffic Police

Police have also said that Arjun had been involved in another confrontation with traffic police in the Mulpani area approximately three months earlier.

According to police, video from that incident showed him carrying a metal lever during a dispute involving another driver and later behaving aggressively toward traffic police.

Police have also stated that he allegedly used another person's licence during that incident.

Earlier Bus Accident Under Investigation

Police have further stated that Arjun was allegedly involved in a bus accident in Balaju in November 2025 in which three people were injured.

According to police, the driver involved in that incident was also Arjun and he allegedly left the scene afterward. Authorities say another person's licence was used in connection with that incident as well.

These details are part of the ongoing police investigation and should not be treated as final judicial findings.

Investigation Committee Formed

Following the Tripureshwor bus fire, the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari formed an investigation committee led by SSP Ramesh Basnet.

The committee has been given five days to collect and analyze evidence, information and other facts related to the incident. It has also been tasked with recommending preventive and control measures to reduce the possibility of similar incidents in the future.

What Was the Exact Cause of the Incident?

At this stage, several questions remain unanswered:

• What exactly triggered the dispute between the driver and traffic police?
• Was the proposed traffic fine justified?
• What happened inside and around the bus immediately before the fire?
• Why was another person's driving licence allegedly being used?
• What role, if any, did the traffic police interaction play in the escalation?
• Were there earlier incidents involving the same driver that contributed to the circumstances?
• Were proper procedures followed by all parties?

The investigation committee is expected to examine these issues before reaching conclusions.

Traffic Police and Drivers: A Broader Concern

The Tripureshwor incident has also renewed discussion about recurring conflicts between public-transport drivers and traffic police in Kathmandu.

Traffic enforcement is necessary for road safety and orderly movement, but disputes over fines, vehicle documents, road obstruction and enforcement procedures can sometimes escalate.

The Tripureshwor case demonstrates the importance of transparent enforcement, respectful communication, proper documentation and effective mechanisms for resolving disagreements on the road.

Until the investigation is completed, conclusions about responsibility for the incident should be based on verified evidence rather than social-media speculation.

Final Takeaway

The Tripureshwor bus fire involving driver Arjun Dong Tamang has become a significant public-safety and traffic-management issue in Kathmandu.

The available reports indicate that a dispute with traffic police preceded the bus fire, while police have separately raised questions about the driver's identity and use of another person's licence. However, the investigation committee has yet to establish the complete sequence of events.

The final findings of the investigation will be important in determining what actually happened and whether any individual or institution failed to follow the required procedures.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes publicly reported information available at the time of publication. Allegations and preliminary police findings are not equivalent to final legal conclusions.