The government has suspended Armed Police Force Additional Inspector General Banshiraj Dahal and initiated an inquiry into claims that he breached official protocol and disclosed sensitive security information.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced Dahal’s suspension on Monday but has not disclosed the specific information he is accused of leaking.
Midnight Visit Leads to Suspension
The inquiry into Dahal’s alleged misconduct started after he visited the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in Teku early Monday morning, following the arrest of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana.
Rana was taken into custody from his home at midnight and brought to the Teku office. Dahal reportedly arrived around 3 AM, met with Rana, and spent nearly two hours there.
Dahal is related to Rana by marriage, as Rana is his father-in-law. Authorities are investigating whether a family member should have visited him in police custody without notifying the appropriate officials.
Police Investigation Uncovers New Leads
During the investigation into Rana, police searched his phone and found contacts that led them to Inam Sapkota, who is also under investigation.
Reports indicate that Sapkota’s phone contained messages exchanged between him, Rana, Dahal, and other security personnel, with an increase in communication between Dahal and Sapkota.
Authorities have not disclosed the details of these conversations, and it remains unconfirmed whether any security information was leaked.
Ongoing Investigation into Information Leak
A source told that investigators discovered Dahal and Sapkota were discussing Prime Minister Balen Shah’s activities and his expenditures.
However, it is still unclear what specific information was leaked, and the government has not confirmed the conversation details.
Three-Day Inquiry into Dahal’s Actions
The Home Ministry has tasked AIG Anjanikumar Pokharel of the APF Human Resources Department with investigating the allegations against Dahal and reporting back in three days.
The inquiry will examine Dahal’s connections with Rana and Sapkota, the circumstances of his late night visit to the Teku police office, and the allegations of leaking confidential information.
The findings from this three day investigation are expected to be announced soon.
Suspension Occurs Before Scheduled Transfer
Dahal’s term as additional inspector general was nearing its end. He was promoted on May 11, 2022, and his four-year term was set to conclude by the end of this year.
The APF headquarters had intended to extend his term by another year, but his suspension has halted these plans.
According to APF regulations, action can be taken against an official if their continued presence in the role could compromise an ongoing inquiry or if they misuse confidential information.
The investigation will assess whether Dahal violated these regulations and determine the appropriate course of action.