Kathmandu, September 19

In its drive to ‘clean-up’ the security body, Nepal Police Headquarters took action against 2,265 cops, including two SSPs, two SPs, four DSPs and four inspectors in the fiscal 2017-18 for their involvement in activities inconsistent with the existing laws and police conduct.

According to statistics released by Nepal Police, it dismissed 280 personnel during the period.

They are three inspectors, 10 SIs, 13 ASIs, 25 head constables, 212 constables and 217 helpers. Similarly, two SSPs, two SPs, four DSPs, four inspectors, 15 SIs, 27 ASIs, 17 head constables, 142 constables and a helper were suspended.

SSPs Shyam Bahadur Khatri and Dibesh Lohani were arrested for their alleged involvement in the March 2 murder of Sanam Shakya and disappearance of 33 kilograms smuggled gold. However, the court recently released Lohani on a general date.

Senior Superintendent of Police Shailesh Thapa Kshetri, Nepal Police spokesperson, said the security body demoted three SIs, six head constables and a constable.

Other departmental action includes reprimand (1,227 personnel), putting grade on hold (189), split verdict (15), grade demotion (34), putting promotion on hold (91) and demotion to the lowest time-scale (217). Recently, Nepal Police suspended an SP, two DSPs, two inspectors and an ASI in connection with the rape and murder of Nirmala Panta.

As many as 19 others are under scanner. SSP Kshetri said the personnel were destined to face the music for indulging in activities violating police norms.

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

“Nepal Police will never spare crooked and undisciplined personnel in the organisation. We are committed to punishing the unethical and rewarding the ethical cops,” he said. Meanwhile, Nepal Police headquarters has issued a circular to all its units, instructing them to be victim-friendly, dispense quick service and enhance their relationship with the public.

It also 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, if he/she is denied services made available under the existing laws in an easy and simple manner, said SSP Kshetri.

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 indiscipline and delaying service delivery.