Phnom Penh Governor Chea Sophara, center, Chen Chanpor, Chief of Phnom Penh Municipal Military Police, fourth from right, and Man Chhoeun, Director of Cabinet of Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, second from right, survey the scene just after the shooting of "Rasmach", whose body is being loaded on to a truck.

M

unicipal and military police have been rewarded with 160 million riel (US$42,000)

by Phnom Penh Governor Chea Sophara for their efforts in tracking down alleged master

kidnapper Som Nara, alias "Rasmach".

A massive manhunt was initiated last week which resulted in a shootout with police

during which Nara was wounded and eventually killed on Aug 10 in Meanchey District.

"I pity them," said Sophara, referring to the police's efforts. "They

worked hard to find him. That's why I decided to reward them."

According to Sophara, the funds are being disbursed to police in all seven districts

in the capital with each district receiving 15 million riels.

General Chen Chanpor, head of the city's military police unit, said he had already

received 64 million riel from Sophara to be used to distribute to his various posts

around Phnom Penh.

...after the shooting of "Rasmach", whose body is being loaded on to a truck.

Rasmach was accused of having comitted 13 separate kidnapping operations in which

he netted more than $1.3 million.

Chea Sophara said he was providing the reward funds from his own resources but hoped

Prime Minister Hun Sen would reimburse him.

"I haven't asked Samdech yet," he said, "I am waiting for the green

light. I hope he will help."