Kathmandu, February 26

Metropolitan Police Office, Ranipokhari, has recalled Inspector Dinesh Kumar Bhandari of Metropolitan Police Circle, Maharajgunj, after he was alleged to have accepted Rs 2.3 million bribe for botching up an investigation into the murder of a pregnant woman.

Ajita Malla, who lived in a rented home at Tokha, was beaten to death on 16 December 2017. Police had arrested four persons, including her husband’s first wife Bishnu Malla Shahi, Bhagawati Malla, Rita KC and Govinda Raj Malla for their alleged involvement in the crime.

According to a police source, a relative of the accused had bribed Inspector Bhandari through Kamala Kharel Bhandari, a go-between.

The Kathmandu District Court, however, sent all the four accused to jail until the final verdict. The person, who is said to have paid Rs 2.3 million bribe to the inspector then filed a complaint with police against Inspector Bhandari.

Talking to The Himalayan Times Inspector Bhandari, however, denied all the allegation. He said, “These are completely baseless accusation levelled against me.” He also said that he would answer all the questions to the probe committee formed by the MPO. Inspector Bhandari has been on leave from his office for 10 days.

Senior Superintendent of Police Puja Singh at MPO, Ranipokhari, said that they had recalled Inspector Bhandari today. She said, “We have agreed to form a probe committee. The truth will be out soon.” She also said Inspector Bhandari would face legal action if proven guilty.