Inspector suspended, 17 others booked for mischief

Damauli, September 15

As protest against Purna Bahadur Ale’s alleged murder continues, authorities have suspended a police inspector involved in preparing the report and pressed public offence cases against 17 persons for resorting to vandalism and aggression during demonstrations.

Zonal Police Office, Gandaki today suspended Inspector Saroj Naral of district police office, Tanahun, citing a glitch in forming the report on Ale’s death.

According to SSP Balaram Sharma of the zonal police office, he has been suspended until the investigation is over.

“As he was found to have been negligent while preparing the report, he has been relieved of his duty until the probe is over,” said SSP Sharma.

Earlier, after the victim’s kin refused to buy the post-mortem report prepared by doctors at Damauli Hospital, Purna Bahadur’s body was sent to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for a second autopsy.

The irresponsibility of the cop who prepared the report came to light after doctors in Kathmandu found a blade, mobile SIM card and some cash from the deceased’s body.

Similarly, action has been sought against a policeman who opened fire on demonstrators.

Eighteen-year-old Roshak Dura of Byas municipality died in police firing, while Sunimaya Shrestha, 78, who had initially blacked out due to the poisonous tear gas, died later in the course of treatment.

Police have pressed public offence case against 17 demonstrators, citing their involvement in vandalism of public and private property. Of the total 42 persons detained, 25 were, however, released following simple interrogation.

Purna Bahadur, a tenth grader at a local school in Byas-1, was found dead on September 7. Having left home for tuition class on the morning of September 22.

His dead body was found hanging from a tree on the premises of the local Adikavi Bhanubhakta Campus two days later, however, kin of the deceased said it was a murder.