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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

Nepal authorities destroy confiscated student phones, sparking outrage

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Authorities in Siraha, Nepal, destroyed 496 confiscated mobile phones and five smartwatches, valued at over $10 million, by submerging them in water and smashing them.
  • The devices were seized from students during Secondary Education Examination and Grade 12 exams to prevent cheating, following a provincial minister's directive.
  • The destruction has sparked criticism from students and guardians who cite excessive punishment and loss of personal data.

Hundreds of mobile phones and smartwatches confiscated from students during examinations in Nepal's Siraha district have been destroyed, sparking widespread criticism and legal questions. A video posted online showed police submerging and smashing the devices, including seven iPhones and 489 Android smartphones, valued at over $10 million.

The phones were seized from students entering or taking the Secondary Education Examination and Grade 12 exams this year. This action followed a statement by Rani Sharma Tiwari, then minister for education of Madhesh Province, who vowed to destroy phones used during exams to deter cheating and uphold integrity.

A five-member committee, led by Rajdev Yadav, oversaw the destruction process. The devices were submerged for 24 hours before being smashed. The decision has angered many students and guardians, who argue the punishment was excessive and led to the loss of valuable personal data, including family photographs.

Mobile phones confiscated during Secondary Education Examination (SEE) in Siraha district destroyed by district police.

— Siraha Today (Facebook page)Caption accompanying the video of the destruction.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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