Opposition parties in Nepal are calling for an urgent meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee to address the controversy involving Inam Sapkota and the arrests of government officials, police leaders, and journalists.
They want to discuss the alleged audio tape of Sapkota, the rising tension between the government and Nepal Police leadership, and concerns about the misuse of state power.
Gyanendra Shahi, the parliamentary leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has sent a letter to committee chairman Hari Dhakal requesting this urgent meeting. Other opposition parties have also expressed the need for a committee gathering.
In his letter, Shahi emphasized the need to discuss several serious issues, including the alleged tensions between the government and Nepal Police Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki, the detention of journalists, misuse of state power, and the seizure of a mobile phone from an individual detained at the home of Prime Minister’s adviser Kumar Ben.
Shahi stated, “These issues relate to state administration, accountability, and transparency.” He has requested that Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Home Minister Sudan Gurung, Home Secretary, and Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki attend the meeting to answer questions regarding these incidents.
The chief whip of the Nepali Communist Party, Yuvraj Dulal, has also sent a letter to the committee requesting an urgent meeting. He raised concerns about irregularities within state institutions and government agencies, specifically regarding how the alleged audio tape of Inam Sapkota became public while he was in police custody. Dulal also seeks clarification on statements made on social media by the Prime Minister and chief adviser Kumar Ben, as well as the circumstances surrounding the arrests and subsequent release of journalists, noting that the government claimed it was unaware of any police actions.
Dulal stated, “We have a responsibility to call the Home Minister and police chief to meet the committee and provide explanations.”
The situation has escalated following police actions against journalists covering alleged communications between Sapkota and the judiciary. These arrests have raised serious concerns about press freedom, police authority, and the relationship between the government and police.
Questions have also arisen regarding tensions between Home Minister Sudan Gurung and Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki, with opposition members demanding clarity on who ordered the police actions, how information was leaked from custody, and whether proper legal processes were followed.
Dulal mentioned that he spoke with committee chairman Hari Dhakal, who responded positively to the request for a meeting. However, no official date and time have been set yet.
The opposition’s demands indicate growing pressure on the government to clarify the situation regarding the Inam Sapkota case, potentially putting the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and police under scrutiny as they answer questions from MPs about the actions of state institutions.