Investigation Commission Report on Janajati Genocide Movement: What Is the Review Process?

The investigative commission formed to review the incidents during the Janajati Genocide movement has completed half of its tenure studying the recommendations related to members of the security apparatus. The committee is led by former High Court Justice Prem Raj Karki, with former Nepal Police Additional Inspector General Tek Prasad Rai and former Armed Police Force Additional Inspector General Subodh Adhikari as members. The government established this review committee following widespread controversy over the report submitted by the commission led by former Appellate Court Judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.

The committee chairman, Adhikari, stated that the committee is conducting an in-depth study by categorizing the disciplinary recommendations made by the commission. “We are reviewing the nature of the recommendations, statements from the individuals involved, and the cited legal provisions, analyzing them separately,” said Coordinator Prem Raj Karki. The committee’s responsibility includes conducting further investigations according to prevailing laws to establish the facts concerning security officers and civil service personnel involved, as referenced in the commission’s report and security committee roles. This process, which finalizes the commission’s recommendations, is expected to pave the way for disciplinary action against officials in the security sector, making the outcome highly sensitive.

Coordinator Karki added, “We are collecting necessary information from various individuals and parties against whom disciplinary actions have been recommended.” He further explained, “We are conducting detailed analyses of the report’s recommendations and holding inquiries to gather additional facts.” However, some experts remain skeptical about the committee’s ability to effectively implement disciplinary recommendations against security officials. Retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hemant Malla of Nepal Police suggested that the committee’s formation might reflect doubts about errors in some recommendations in the commission’s report.

It has been reported that the government has received an informal proposal to extend the committee’s tenure; however, attempts to contact the Home Ministry spokesperson were unsuccessful. Committee Coordinator Karki declined to comment on the proposal but stated that additional information is being sought from various individuals, and relevant bodies have been informed. “Given the serious nature of the allegations and prosecutorial recommendations, further study of statements and available evidence appears necessary,” said Karki. “We are currently collaborating with all security agencies and associated mechanisms to complete the work promptly.”