BIRATNAGAR: The Council of Gen-Z Morang has urged authorities not to subject Morang District Police Chief Superintendent of Police (SP) Kabit Katwal to pressure, influence or unfair disciplinary action.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the council said it was seriously concerned by reports that Katwal had been asked to explain his actions following a legally conducted search at the residence of an industrialist in Biratnagar and that possible disciplinary action was being discussed.

The council said the law must apply equally to everyone and that police have a legal duty to investigate based on information received and established legal procedures. It argued that a police officer should not be targeted or discouraged for carrying out lawful responsibilities, even if no illegal items or evidence are ultimately found during an investigation.

The council also noted that the concerned industrialist’s family had publicly supported the police for carrying out their legal duties. It said taking action against police leadership based on pressure, influence or vested interests would undermine the rule of law and the principle of impartial investigation.

The council warned that unfairly discouraging honest and duty-bound officers could create a situation in which police become reluctant to enforce the law against influential individuals in the future.

It urged the authorities to allow impartial investigations to continue and make decisions strictly on the basis of facts, evidence and law, while maintaining the morale of the police organization.