KATHMANDU: An inquiry committee has recommended disciplinary action against Armed Police Force Additional Inspector General (AIG) Banshiraj Dahal, concluding that his conduct was against the organization’s standards.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had tasked AIG Anjani Pokharel with investigating the case. The committee submitted its final report on Thursday evening.
The Ministry of Home Affairs suspended AIG Dahal last Monday and ordered the committee to submit its findings within three days.
Ministry spokesperson Ananda Kafle stated that the report has been received and the Home Minister will make further decisions based on its contents. Home Minister Sudan Kiranti has emphasized that no official involved in misconduct will be spared.
The investigation revealed that AIG Dahal had maintained contact with mediator Inam Sapkota. Dahal is accused of leaking information to assist those involved in the case of businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is currently in custody.
The ministry alleges that information was leaked after Dahal visited the police office on Sept. 27 following the detention of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana.
During his statement to the inquiry committee, AIG Dahal claimed that his relationship with Sapkota was purely personal. He stated that they have known each other for a long time as they both hail from the same district of Jhapa.
