KATHMANDU: Manish Jha, coordinator of the study subcommittee formed under the Public Accounts Committee to probe the procurement of police uniforms for elections, stated that no one should be declared guilty merely based on allegations.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting at Singha Durbar on Thursday, Jha emphasized that reaching a conclusion before completing a thorough study and investigation would be biased.

Jha said, ‘We first set the agenda, then proceed to discussions, then conduct the study, then reach a conclusion, and finally make a decision. Drawing a conclusion that an individual has committed a mistake before any study or investigation is a biased mindset.’

He clarified that while the subcommittee is responsible for drafting a report and making recommendations, it does not hold the authority to decide on punitive actions. ‘We sit for studies and discussions, but labeling someone as corrupt or detailing their alleged wrongdoings is a political and practical failure. We should not do that,’ he added. He noted that the subcommittee is currently in the initial phase of its study and has not reached any definitive conclusions.

According to the subcommittee’s schedule, statements, interviews, and discussions with relevant stakeholders, experts, and responsible officials regarding the uniform procurement will be conducted from Nov. 17 to Dec. 1. The drafting of the report will follow thereafter. The subcommittee has been given a deadline until Dec. 6 to complete its task.

The nine-member subcommittee was formed following complaints of irregularities in the procurement of police uniforms for the elections. The complaints also leveled allegations against current Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki. The issue was repeatedly raised in Parliament and the committee by lawmaker Khagendra Sunar.