KATHMANDU, 4 November: In a significant leadership reshuffle within the Nepal Police, the government has officially removed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki from his post, appointing Additional Inspector General (AIG) Dr. Manoj KC as the new police chief. Addressing widespread speculation surrounding the sudden decision, the government clarified that Karki has not been subjected to any disciplinary action.
Speaking to journalists following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Government Spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel dismissed rumors that Karki’s transfer was a punitive measure. “He has not been penalized; it is merely a change of responsibility,” Pokharel stated, addressing concerns raised by the media.
Following the cabinet’s decision, Karki has been reassigned to a new strategic role. According to Minister Pokharel, Karki will now serve as a security advisor, where his primary responsibility will be to advise the Prime Minister on critical matters pertaining to national peace and security.
The abrupt change in the police leadership comes alongside mounting pressure regarding the country’s law and order situation. Minister Pokharel acknowledged that the government had received persistent directives from various quarters, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSVP), urging immediate intervention in sensitive security matters.
“There were instructions from multiple fronts and the party indicating that the government needed to take action on sensitive issues,” Pokharel explained. He further emphasized that despite Karki’s removal from the IGP post, his new advisory position remains a highly sensitive and crucial responsibility for the state apparatus.
The appointment of Dr. Manoj KC as the new IGP marks a strategic pivot for the Nepal Police as the government looks to recalibrate its approach to national security and address the concerns raised by its political allies.
