Tempo Incident in Kailali: Investigation Launched into Forest Department Staff Involvement
Image source, Raj Kumar Saud
After a tempo used during the eviction of commercial structures from Kailali forests fell off a cliff, triggering widespread criticism, the Sudurpashchim Province government has formed an investigation committee.
Following reports that 12 employees including forest guards were taken into police custody for investigation, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment of Sudurpashchim Province decided to launch a probe.
Ministry spokesperson Bharat Prasad Shrestha said the inquiry committee, headed by Provincial Forest Director Hemraj Bisht, has been given one week to complete the investigation.
“The committee was formed following the Minister’s directive,” he said. “They will gather all necessary information and submit a factual report within seven days.”
It has emerged that the shop owners using the tempo are demanding compensation.
Kiran Joshi, member of the investigation committee and Assistant Chief District Officer, confirmed that if compensation is justified after investigation, a recommendation will be made.
According to her, forest officials stated the tempo was no longer suitable for the road and was being used only for operating the shop.
“Removing the tempo was unnecessary and the method used appears improper,” she added.
Home Minister Calls Incident ‘Inhumane’
Image source, RSS
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung shared Nepal Police’s Facebook post about the arrest of forest officials involved, labeling the incident as “inhumane.”
“Twelve government employees were arrested due to inhumane actions against a citizen,” Gurung wrote in a post shared on his own story.
Nepal Police said they have taken into custody and are questioning 12 people, from forest officers to forest guards, in connection with the tempo falling off the cliff.
Yogendra Timilsina, information officer at Kailali District Police Office, stated the investigation will proceed further following a complaint from the affected party.
“They claim that alongside clearing encroachments, the tempo was also removed,” Timilsina added.
What We Know About the Tempo Cliff Incident
On Friday, a video circulated widely on social media showing a tempo placed beside the road inside the Godawari Community Forest area of Godawari Municipality, Kailali, falling off a cliff to the road below.
Numerous individuals reacted critically to the conduct of the forest office staff involved. Members of the Sudurpashchim Provincial Assembly demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.
Ram Bichari, head of the Forest Office, explained on Sunday that the tempo fell while they were removing it and that the vehicle was old and dilapidated. He stated, “The tempo was in poor condition and became uncontrollable while attempting to move it away from the road’s edge.”
However, spokesperson Timilsina said video evidence does not support this claim. “Despite the explanation, the video clearly shows the tempo falling off the cliff.”
Many social media users and news portals’ videos show individuals pushing the tempo towards the cliff’s edge. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
Dhanadevi Dhami’s husband, Ghanshyam Dhami, the tempo’s owner, insists the vehicle was operational at the time and is preparing to file a complaint if compensation is not provided.
“Possibly an Emotional Decision”
Dr. Shishir Subba, former professor in the Psychology Department at Tribhuvan University, suggests that the forest employees might have acted impulsively due to emotional distress triggered by the dispute.
“Without understanding the full context, one cannot say why such a destructive decision was made. But young people often have a quick temper and may act aggressively. It is likely this was an impulsive act,” he said.
“Factors like youth and circumstances might have influenced behavior, but regardless, the action is inappropriate.”
There have been numerous examples in Nepal showing law enforcement authorities have lacked sensitivity in such matters.
Previously, a controversial incident in Siraha involved students’ mobile phones being destroyed by submerging them in water after unauthorized use during the SEE exam, which sparked significant criticism.
Dr. Subba pointed out that while one or two incidents should not be overly generalized, government officials should be urged to improve their conduct toward citizens.
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