Kathmandu, December 23

The Metropolitan Police Office today formed a three-member panel led by DIG Madhu Pudasaini to investigate how the loaded pistol that DSP Tika Bahadur KC was carrying in a waistband holster went missing.

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• 8 held as 7 cops injured, pistol missing in clash at LPG plant in Chalnakhel

The China-made 77M automatic firearm loaded with seven rounds of ammunition reportedly went missing after it fell from DSP KC’s holster during a clash with irate locals, who were protesting against Everest Gas Industry Pvt Ltd at Chalnakhel, Kirtipur.

The probe panel includes SSP Sarbendra Khanal and SP Bishwo Raj Pokharel. The panel has been given a week to submit its report.

Riot cops, including DSP KC, in-charge of the Metropolitan Police Circle Kirtipur, had clashed with almost 1,500 demonstrators for more than two hours before the situation was taken under control.

Though the Metropolitan Police Range, Kathmandu, claimed that the loaded pistol was snatched away by the mob ‘by thrashing and overpowering DSP KC’ and that it had arrested nine suspects for interrogation, it has not been able to get the missing pistol back.

Dozens of security personnel have also been deployed in and around the incident site to search for the firearm. A walkie-talkie is also reportedly missing following the clash, which left 10 persons injured.

Meanwhile, DSP KC has been recalled to the MPR Kathmandu from Kirtipur for failure to keep his weapon safe. DSP Prem Basnet will replace DSP KC in Kirtpur.