Kathmandu, September 16
Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa and Nepal Police Inspector General Sarbendra Khanal have been at odds over the suspension of five police officials that the Ministry decided on Saturday.
Upon a recommendation from the probe committee formed to investigate into the rape and murder of Nirmala Pant in Bhimdutta Nagar of Kanchanpur, the Ministry had decided to suspend the officials.
IG Khanal, however, has objected to the decision claiming suspending those involved in the investigation process without verified evidence does not give a right message. Khanal says it will discourage other investigators and hence directly affect the probe.
Instead, he states that the officials can be expelled from the job after their involvement is proved.
But, Thapa wanted to suspend the officials so as to control nationwide protests demanding a speedy investigation and legal action against the culprits, according to sources. The protesters have been accusing police of destroying the evidence.
Those suspended include DSPs Angur GC and Gyan Bahadur Seti, Inspectors Ekendra Khadka and Jagadish Bhatta, and ASI Ram Singh Dhami. Earlier, then Chief of Kanchanpur District Police Office Dilli Raj Bista, was suspended.
