KATHMANDU: The Chief of the Municipal Police of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Rajunath Pandey, has been suspended.

Saroj Guragain, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Metropolitan City, suspended Pandey for a period of six months. Pandey was asked for a clarification by Guragain on Jestha 6 (May 20), giving him a one-week deadline.

Pandey submitted his explanation to Guragain on Jestha 12 (May 26), in which he presented a seven-point clarification, stating that he had acted on the orders of Mayor Balen Shah.

On Chaitra 21, 2081 (April 3, 2025), while Guragain was entering the office at Kathmandu Plaza, the municipal police team under Pandey’s leadership attempted to block his entry.

After failing to stop Guragain, Pandey’s municipal police allegedly tried to use force against other municipal employees inside the office. Following this incident, Guragain demanded a clarification from Pandey on Jestha 6 (May 20), questioning why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.

After the suspension of Rajunath Pandey, the responsibility of leading the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Force has been handed over to Municipal Police Superintendent Bishnu Prasad Joshi.

Following Pandey’s suspension for a maximum period of six months, the Chief Administrative Officer assigned Joshi to the role.

Joshi has been issued an official letter authorizing him to serve as Acting Chief of the Metropolitan Police Force until further arrangements are made.

A copy of the letter has also been forwarded to Mayor Balen Shah and Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol.