"We cannot say who is guilty and who innocent as the case is sub judice. IGP is not the authority to speak about it"

Kathmandu, June 28

Inspector General of Police Sarbendra Khanal today said that Nepal Police was ready to extend necessary support to the special probe committee formed by the Council of Ministers to investigate the March 2 murder of Sanam Shakya and disappearance of 33 kilograms of smuggled gold.

At a press meet organised in Nepal Police headquarters, IGP Khanal said, “Neither have I any right to interfere in the investigation being conducted by the probe panel nor can I tell it to do this and not to do that. The only thing we can do is to provide the support the panel needs from our side.” The panel led by Ishwor Raj Paudel, joint secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, also comprise an inspector, a deputy superintendent of police and superintendent of police.

“Some people are of the view that the IGP has remained mum regarding the functioning of the probe panel. Of course, I do not have any comment on this as the panel was formed by the Council of Ministers for the purpose of special investigation. It also comprises some members from Nepal Police and they are obliged to work under the panel,” he said.

The government filed a charge-sheet against 63 persons, including five serving cops, at Morang District Court. Of them, 31 were remanded to jail for trial while two were released on bail. As many as 32 defendants are still at large.  “We cannot say who is guilty and who innocent now as the case is sub judice. IGP is not the authority to speak about it,” he said.

IGP Khanal pledged to do everything it took to curb crimes, and maintain peace and security in the country as per the powers mandated by the constitutions and laws. “Crime prevention and control, and peace and security are key priorities of Nepal Police. We have adopted various instruments with a view to intensifying the fight against all forms of crime, especially human trafficking, drug abuse and smuggling, bootlegging and poaching,” he said.

Nepal Police have also set up Professional Standard Desk, Quality Assurance Desk and Grievance Management Desk to make the service delivery of the security agency more effective. Stating that the draft of the Federal Police Bill and Federal Police Bill will be finalised soon, IGP Khanal claimed that the new laws would assist the security body in mobilising the cops as per the federal setup.