Study Underway on Disciplinary Actions Against Security Officials in Gen Z Movement; How Feasible Is Completion Within a Month?
Image source, MOHA
The committee formed to study the disciplinary recommendations against security personnel made by the investigation commission on incidents during the Gen Z movement has begun preliminary work.
The committee has been given a timeframe of one month. According to members, they are currently drafting their internal procedures.
Led by former High Court Justice Prem Raj Karki, the committee includes retired Deputy Inspectors General from the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police.
Committee coordinator Karki confirmed that initial work has commenced.
“As per the mandate given by the government, we are currently preparing the procedural guidelines,” says coordinator Karki. “Based on the recommendations of the commission’s report and its foundations, we will adopt necessary measures within the authorized scope to reach just conclusions.”
Disciplinary Pathway ‘Opening’
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
The committee has been tasked with reviewing recommendations related to security mechanism members (officials of security agencies and staff of security committees) proposed by the investigation commission and to provide recommendations in accordance with existing laws.
The government formed this committee, led by former Justice Prem Raj Karki, following controversy arising over the report submitted by the commission headed by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki.
Informally obtained details from the inquiry commission indicate that the report recommended filing cases against past senior officials, including the then Police Inspector General, senior police officers, the Home Secretary, and other high-ranking authorities.
Retired Nepal Police Deputy Inspector General Bhim Dhakal explains that after submission of the committee report, the government will forward it to the investigative agency.
Some believe the report from the committee will open the pathway for disciplinary actions against security officials involved in the incidents.
“The committee’s report goes to the government as a recommendation, after which the law-designated body will conduct further detailed investigation,” explains former DIG Dhakal. “The investigative agency will analyze how security personnel complied with or deviated from the law.”
During the implementation of the commission report, both the former prime minister and home minister were arrested.
However, regarding security personnel, the government has formed this committee to take measures as per prevailing laws.
Committee Granted Authority to Submit ‘Staged Recommendations’
Image source, EPA
Under its authorized mandate, the committee can submit recommendations in phases if necessary.
Experts say this provision allows the committee to recommend actions against certain officials as soon as conclusions are reached, while gradually continuing their study on other matters.
According to former DIG Bhim Dhakal, the committee has pointed to technical suggestions in the commission report, the need for further study on incomplete issues, and deeper investigation into some unresolved aspects.
Some analysts suggest the committee must monitor recommendations on disciplinary actions by individual or agency, severity, statements of defense, grounds for action, and evidence.
If certain issues appear insufficiently addressed, further investigation may be warranted.
Experts express that it could be challenging for the committee to complete study and recommendations on all officials within a month.
bhimdhakal/fb
The committee will conduct further study and investigation within the commission’s mandate, then submit its report as a recommendation, after which the legally designated body will carry out detailed investigations.
No legal case has yet been filed against anyone for the death of a youth linked to police use of force on Bhadra 23 during the Gen Z movement.
Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who were arrested, have been released. Investigations continue against them.
Following objections from senior Ministry of Home Affairs officials over the arrest of Kathmandu’s then Chief District Officer, Shivilal Rizal, he was released on bail, as reported.
Experts say this phased approach to the committee’s work likely aims to ease progressive disciplinary actions against security personnel, even if all tasks are not finished within the set time.
Committee: Reliable Basis for Disciplinary Actions?
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
The Supreme Court authorized release on bail of Rizal during the release of Oli and Lekhak.
It appears the committee was formed to limit political and administrative pressure experienced by the government from high-profile investigations and to avoid intensified interference with security personnel.
Analysts note the government has included former senior officials from Nepal Police and Armed Police Force in the committee to establish a strong basis for disciplinary proceedings.
The committee members include former Deputy Inspectors General Tek Prasad Rai of Nepal Police and Subodh Adhikari of the Armed Police Force, both with over 30 years of police service.
The commission reportedly recommended various disciplinary measures against senior officials of both police institutions.
Committee coordinator and former High Court judge Karki has previously worked on five investigative commissions.
He has a long history of service in judiciary as government attorney, Deputy Attorney General, and Chair of the Special Court.
Since the committee will make recommendations, any possible disciplinary action against security officials will be under widespread scrutiny.
According to former DIG Dhakal, implementation of the committee’s recommendations depends on government decisions.
“Once the report is received, whether the government advances it immediately or delays is at the government’s discretion,” he said.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
The council of ministers ratified a 100-point governance reform agenda on Chaitra 13 (March 26), which included the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the incidents of Bhadra 24 (September 9) during the movement.
The seventh point of the agenda reads, “The committee will be mandated to collect, analyze all details related to the incidents, identify responsible parties, and submit a report within a specified timeline, and based on the committee’s recommendations, pursue further necessary disciplinary actions.”
Although the cabinet decision stated that the high-level inquiry committee would be formed within one week, over a month has passed, and it is yet to be constituted.
Officials recently informed that 933 criminal cases concerning destruction during the Gen Z movement of Bhadra 24 have been registered across Kathmandu valley and the country, with 379 cases in Kathmandu alone.
By Chaitra 15 (March 28), 963 accused were arrested; among them, 191 remain in custody pending trial, and 474 were released on bail.
The police report states that nearly 700 detainees faced charges for criminal unrest, while 20 were registered with cases related to bodily harm.
The committee’s study will be confined to the government’s assigned scope for examining the commission’s report.
For news in Nepali and subscription to the YouTube channel, click here. News is also available via Facebook, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The Nepali service broadcasts programs on radio Monday through Friday at 8:45 PM.
