KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 31

As part of its drive to 'clean-up' the security agency, Nepal Police headquarters took action against 1,145 cops for their involvement in activities inconsistent with the existing laws and code of conduct during the first five months of this fiscal (from mid-July to mid-November).

These cops include three superintendents of police, four deputy superintendents, 12 inspectors, 46 sub-inspectors, 86 assistant sub-inspectors, 305 head constables, 675 constables and 14 helpers. According to statistics released by Nepal Police, the punishment ranged from seeking clarification to dismissal from the service. However, it has not categorically mentioned as to who were punished with what degree.

As per the statistics, other punishments comprised reprimand, putting grade on hold, split verdict, grade demotion, putting promotion on hold and demotion to the lowest time-scale.

The public has long been complaining about alleged involvement of its officers in corruption and their collusion with criminal groups.

'Nepal Police has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against undisciplined personnel in the organisation and is committed to initiating action against the unethical and rewarding the ethical cops,' said Senior Superintendent of Police Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, Nepal Police spokesperson. The security body has set up a helpline for receiving and responding to complaints from the public. A person can directly dial the numbers (01-4410144 or toll-free short code 1113) of the headquarters and register his/her complaint.

Complaint may also be registered with the 24×7 hotline if any police officer harasses service-seekers or demands bribe, is reluctant to deliver service, refuses to receive application or FIR, files false charge, does not carry out criminal investigation honestly and professionally, holds anyone in extra-judicial detention, arrests an innocent person without any charge and acts against the official conduct of police. This measure follows growing complaints about police personnel indulging in financial irregularities and delaying service delivery.

Nepal Police had recently issued 'Simplified and Detailed Code of Conduct' to be followed by all police personnel while executing their duty. This code of conduct incorporates detailed information on how police personnel should act and requires all police personnel to exhibit high value and moral, and execute their duties with dignity and integrity.

A version of this article appears in the print on January 1, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.