Govt ousts suspended SP Bista, Inspector Bhatta from police service

KATHMANDU: In line with recommendations forwarded by Nepal Police Headquarters seeking expulsion of former Superintendent of Police Dilli Raj Bista and Inspector Jagdish Bhatta accused of negligence and mishandling of evidence in investigation into Nirmala Panta's rape and murder, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday has decided to expel them from police service.

MoHA's decision comes a day after Police HQ forwarded written clarification from Bista and Bhatta, which MoHA called "unsatisfactory" in a press statement issued today.

However, both Bista and Bhatta would be eligible to hold government jobs in the future, MoHA stated.

As per the statement, Police HQ had sought expulsion of both suspended SP and Inspector under Police Regulations 2071, recommending the government to hold the duo accountable for gross negligence and for going against norms of lawful investigation.

In its solicitation, Police HQ had held the duo responsible for denting trust of victim's kin and public in actions and behavior of law enforcement officials while accusing Bista and Bhatta of serious counts of unethical activities aimed at foiling the investigation.

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