Two thieves fell off a cliff and died in Lamjung while trying to escape in wee hours on Friday.

According to police, the two youth died after they fell off the cliff near Karapu village in Madhya Nepal Municipality-8. The incident happened as they were running away after stealing a safe from a Chhapagaun-based shop in Kwholasothar Rural Municipality-9.

Police Inspector Rajendra Adhikari said Chandan Sunar of Parbat and Ram Pariyar of Chitwan, both aged 22, died in the incident.

A group of four persons reportedly burgled the shop belonging to Marichman Gurung on Thursday night. The local people took Buddi Bahadur Gurung, 30, of Chhapagaun under control and handed over to police for his alleged involvement in the theft case.

Another suspect is on the run. Buddi told police the deceased duo had been staying in Pokhara and that he had no knowledge about the absconding man.

The fleeing duo fell about 200 metres and died. The bodies were recovered on Friday, said police, adding that they are investigating into the incident. Chandan’s family received the body on Saturday after post-mortem, while Ram’s family has not contacted police yet.