KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 23
In a startling revelation that has raised questions about integrity within the Nepal Police, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a charge sheet at the Special Court against Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lalbabu Giri on allegations of procuring his government position through fraudulent educational credentials. The case, which has been registered at the Special Court, accuses Giri of submitting fake qualification certificates to gain multiple promotions and benefits within the police force.
According to the CIAA, Giri, who currently serves at the Nepal Police Hospital in Maharajgunj, claimed to have obtained his Secondary Level Certificate (SLC) from the Bihar School Examination Board in India in 1988. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the certificate was fabricated, as the Board confirmed that only serial number 576 had been issued, raising serious doubts about Giri's academic claims.
In a detailed statement, Ganesh Bahadur Adhikari, assistant spokesperson for the CIAA, explained, "Giri acquired various positions and benefits within the security agencies by using these forged educational documents. His actions not only undermine the integrity of the police force but also jeopardize public trust in law enforcement."
The investigation highlighted that Giri initially joined the Nepal Police as a Deputy Inspector (Technical) in 1995, leveraging the same falsified SLC certificate. His dubious credentials allowed him to obtain a Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in Nursing from Tribhuvan University in 1993 and later, a Bachelor's degree from Purbanchal University in 2006. The CIAA alleges that he continued to exploit these credentials to ascend to his current rank of Senior Superintendent of Police, a position that bestowed upon him various benefits and training opportunities.
The charges filed against Giri fall under the previous Prevention of Corruption Act, 2017, specifically Section 12, which pertains to the misrepresentation of qualifications for government positions. Adhikari noted that the CIAA is seeking strict punishment, citing Sub-section (2) of Section 29 of the same Act, which addresses severe penalties for corruption-related offenses.
The implications of this case extend beyond Giri himself, sparking broader discussions on the systemic issues present within Nepal's law enforcement agencies. Critics argue that this incident highlights a troubling pattern of corruption and lack of accountability among officials. "This is a wake-up call for the Nepal Police and all government institutions," said Ramesh Poudel, an expert in public administration. "If the police force, which is tasked with upholding the law, is found to harbor individuals with such fraudulent backgrounds, it puts every citizen's safety at risk."
While no official statement has been released from Giri regarding the allegations, the case has reignited calls for comprehensive reforms within the recruitment process of the Nepal Police. Advocacy groups emphasize the need for stringent measures to verify the authenticity of educational qualifications among public servants, as the credibility of law enforcement is paramount for the administration of justice.
As the case proceeds through the Special Court, it remains to be seen how this will affect the public's perception of the Nepal Police and what reforms may be instituted to prevent future occurrences of such fraudulent behavior. The CIAA's decisive actions against Giri could serve as a critical step toward restoring public confidence in a system that has faced significant scrutiny in recent years.
The ongoing investigation into SSP Lalbabu Giri underscores the urgent need for reform within Nepal's law enforcement agencies as they confront allegations of corruption and malfeasance. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how similar instances are handled in the future, ultimately influencing the integrity and reliability of the institutions tasked with maintaining law and order in Nepal.
