Author: space4knews

March 24, Kathmandu – A commission established to investigate the crackdown during the Jenajati movement has recommended pursuing homicide investigations against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and four senior officials.

According to a leaked confidential report, these individuals have been suggested for investigation under Section 181 of the Muluki Ain, 2074 (National Code), which prohibits negligent actions leading to loss of life.

Those named include former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Inspector General of Police Chandrakuber Khapung. Section 181 states that negligence resulting in someone’s death is punishable by three to ten years imprisonment and a fine ranging from NPR 30,000 to NPR 100,000.

Section 182 of the same code prohibits reckless conduct causing death, with penalties including up to three years imprisonment and a fine up to NPR 30,000.

Regarding Oli’s role, the commission stated, ‘During the parliamentary system, despite gunfire lasting about four hours outside the parliament building resulting in deaths and injuries, the Prime Minister, as the guardian of all citizens, did not take steps to prevent further human loss, reflecting a significant failure.’

The commission further labeled Oli’s response to questions from SEE students and on-field police as irresponsible, citing his failure to take action to prevent additional casualties.

Why Was No Attempt Made to Stop the Gunfire?

The commission questioned why, after it was established that Oli did not order the shooting and that protesters were not killed out of premeditated intent, security forces continued firing without attempts to halt, resulting in deaths and injuries among demonstrators.

‘Because no efforts were made to stop the shooting, even minors lost their lives,’ the commission stated, adding that those responsible for negligence and recklessness in the incident dated September 8 are accountable.

The commission has recommended that Oli, Lekhak, and Khapung be criminally investigated for negligent and reckless conduct leading to death, and the four-hour period during which gunfire was not stopped has been identified as reckless behavior.

Further Investigations Recommended Against Four Officials

Besides these three officials, the commission has also recommended a secondary level of disciplinary action against Home Secretary Gokarn Mani Duwadi, Armed Police Force Inspector General Raju Aryal, National Investigation Department Chief Hutaraj Thapa, and former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhavi Rizal.

They have been recommended for investigation under Section 182 for reckless killing, which carries up to three years imprisonment and a fine up to NPR 30,000.

These officials have been cited for negligence in exercising their official powers and for facilitating reckless conduct.

Officials Recommended for Departmental Action

The commission has recommended disciplinary action against AIG Siddhibikram Shah, DIG Om Bahadur Rana, SSP Bishwo Adhikari, SSP Deepshamsher Jabara, and SP Rishiram Kandel.

Shah was not the operation chief, while Rana served as acting head of the Valley Police Office. Bishwo Adhikari was the Kathmandu District Police Chief. Jabara and Kandel were also in key police positions in the Valley and special units.

The commission found lapses in their performance of duties, leading to the recommendation for action.

In addition, recommendations for disciplinary measures include AIG Narayandatt Paudel of the Armed Police Headquarters, DIG Suresh Kumar Shrestha of Kathmandu Armed Police Battalion, SP Jeevan KC of the Disaster Rescue Unit in Sinamangal, Deputy Director Krishna Prasad Khanal of the National Investigation Department, and Reben Kumar Gachhadar, Kathmandu Chief and Deputy Investigation Director.

The commission also recommended administrative action against military officials such as Manoj Baidwar, head of the Presidential Residence protection team; Diwakar Khadka of the Baluwatar security team; Ganesh Khadka of the Singha Durbar Secretariat security; and Santosh Dhungel, parliamentary building security personnel.

Furthermore, the commission suggested investigation and action against members of the TOB who incited unrest near Baneshwor on motorcycles and encouraged peaceful demonstrators to advance towards the parliament.

March 24, Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress has established a Central Election Committee to oversee the party’s 15th General Convention.

The Central Working Committee meeting held on Wednesday decided to form the committee under the leadership of Senior Advocate Prem Bahadur Khadka.

General Secretary Pradeep Paudel announced that the Central Election Committee will be chaired by Senior Advocate Khadka.

Khadka is also a Central Committee member of the Nepali Congress and has previously served as president of the Nepal Bar Association.

March 24, Kathmandu – After a prolonged conflict, the NSC has officially suspended ANFA. The dispute arose when ANFA attempted to conduct pre-approval elections without securing the NSC’s consent. Ultimately, during a meeting on Wednesday, the NSC Executive Committee decided to suspend ANFA for three months.

According to Article 29, Subsection 2 of the Sports Development Regulations, the NSC took this action. That subsection states that if any association disregards the council’s directives, it can be suspended for up to three months. However, if ANFA complies with the nine-point directive and reports accordingly, the suspension can be lifted.

Under Subsection 3, ANFA may apply to the NSC for the suspension’s removal by following the given instructions. The NSC holds the authority to assess such requests and rescind the suspension if deemed appropriate. If the suspension is not lifted, per Subsection 4, the NSC may dissolve the current executive committee and form an interim committee to select a new one within three months.

Despite the suspension, ANFA leadership insists on proceeding with elections on Chaitra 13, a stance that could severely intensify tensions between ANFA and NSC. In such circumstances, there is a heightened risk that FIFA, the international football governing body, may impose restrictions on Nepal, pushing Nepali football into a critical crisis.

Former Youth and Sports Minister Purushottam Paudel expressed concerns that NSC’s suspension will further complicate the challenges facing Nepali football. “Nepali football has been troubled for some time. Even the distribution of titles has been paused. On top of that, the suspension will add more difficulties,” he stated.

Paudel criticized the dominance of personal interests over sports development, saying, “Self-interests are prevailing more than actual sports development. Therefore, sports should not be run based on selfish agendas. Sports is a sacred institution and must be advanced positively. In Nepal, political influences shape sports administration, which is inappropriate.”

Former NSC Member Secretary Ramesh Kumar Silwal also noted that the suspension has impacted everyone involved, from players to spectators. “The suspension is affecting players, clubs, coaches, and audiences alike,” he said. “While NSC has the authority to impose suspension, questions remain about who will manage the operations afterward.”

Silwal further highlighted potential repercussions with international bodies. “If disputes continue between NSC and the international football organizations FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Nepal risks being banned from international football,” he warned. “The NSC may form a new committee, but it is critical to see whether FIFA and AFC recognize it. Lack of recognition would exacerbate the conflict.”

“Increased conflicts put Nepali football at risk of facing sanctions from international football,” Silwal added.

March 25, Kathmandu – Adarsh Kumar Shrestha, appointed as Chairman of the National Nature Conservation Fund, officially took charge of his duties on Wednesday. He arrived at the office to assume the role and was welcomed by the Fund’s Member Secretary Dr. Naresh Subedi.

Prime Minister and Patron of the Fund, Sushila Karki, was the one who appointed him to this position.

As the Fund’s patron, the Prime Minister holds the authority to appoint the chairman, and accordingly, Prime Minister Karki designated Shrestha as Chairman.

Previously, Shrestha served as the Chief Personal Secretary to Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The appointment of her own chief personal secretary to the Fund drew some criticism toward Prime Minister Karki.

Shrestha has been appointed for a term of five years in this role.

March 24, Kathmandu – Prime Minister Sushila Karki has decided to publicly release the investigative commission’s report concerning the events of September 8 and 9. Before the Prime Minister’s announcement on Wednesday evening, media outlets had already published the full text of the report.

The 907-page report, prepared by the commission led by former Special Court Chairperson Gauribahadur Karki, recommends initiating murder investigations against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Inspector General of Police Chandrakuber Khapung, among others.

The Cabinet had resolved on March 14 to accept the Karki Commission’s report.

Will the report serve as a sufficient basis for legal action against individuals? “While the commission’s report is not equivalent to a court judgment, the government can rely on it for further study and investigation,” stated former Supreme Court Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha.

Experts explain that although a fact-finding commission may not directly convict individuals involved, it can recommend further actions for legal proceedings. Former Chief Justice Shrestha emphasized that the commission’s report can indeed serve as a foundation for investigations.

The Karki-led commission was constituted under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 2026. Section 3(2) of the Act allows for forming a commission to investigate matters of public significance if deemed necessary.

Fact-finding commissions primarily collect facts and details related to events. While the commission can provide its viewpoint after investigation, ultimate decision-making authority rests with the government, according to experts.

Former Supreme Court Justice Girishchandra Lal stated, “The commission can express its opinion, but it is the government that decides whether to conduct further investigation or file charges as per the report.”

Justice Lal, who previously led commissions concerning the Tikapur incident and disputes over revenue from dedicated and truck lines, pointed out that investigatory commissions do not hold prosecutorial powers.

Once the commission completes its work and submits the report, the government acquires the authority to decide subsequent actions. Relevant agencies may conduct further investigations based on the commission’s recommendations.

The report recommends that the Government of Nepal investigate and prosecute former Prime Minister Oli, Minister Lekhak, and IGP Khapung under Sections 181(1) and 182 of the 2017 Criminal Code. Section 181 criminalizes negligent acts leading to death, punishable by three to ten years imprisonment and a fine between NPR 30,000 and NPR 100,000.

Similarly, Section 182 criminalizes reckless behavior causing death, with a penalty of up to three years imprisonment and a fine up to NPR 30,000. The commission also recommended prosecuting former Home Secretary Gokarn Mani Duwadi, Armed Police Force Inspector General Raju Aryal, National Investigation Department Chief Hutaraj Thapa, and Chief District Officer Shvilaal Rizal under Section 182.

Such prosecutions are typically conducted jointly by government lawyers and police. Former Justice Lal noted, “Cases of this nature must be conducted according to the Government Cases Act and related laws, with the prosecution led by the government.”

Senior Advocate Rajuprasad Chapagain suggests that some of the report’s recommendations may be implemented through policy, legal, institutional, and procedural reforms. “For that, the government and Parliament need to take necessary initiatives,” he emphasized.

Chapagain further explained that the commission’s investigation alone cannot be solely relied upon, but it provides crucial guidance. He clarified that implementing recommendations related to violations on September 8 and subsequent violent events on the 9th will not be straightforward or immediate.

“Criminal investigations and prosecutions must follow due process and be evidence-based,” Chapagain said. “Based on the commission’s recommendations, further investigation can be carried out to gather sufficient evidence to complete criminal proceedings and file cases.”

Regarding human rights violations, he noted that national and international human rights principles and criminal law jurisprudence may be applied.

Chapagain remarked, “Effective implementation of the recommendations requires breaking the cycle of impunity, which is contingent on the state’s political will. Whether the state demonstrates this will remain to be seen over time.”

Chaitra 11, Baglung – Counterfeit 1000 rupee notes have been discovered in Baglung. Multiple banks in Baglung market have reported finding fake 1000 rupee notes carrying the same serial numbers.

According to Nepal Bank Baglung, over 18 counterfeit 1000 rupee notes with identical serial numbers have been detected so far. Krishna Bahadur Kunwar, the chief of Nepal Bank Limited’s Baglung branch, stated that fake notes were found inside bundles of 1000 rupee notes brought for deposit at the bank.

Kunwar confirmed that counterfeit notes with the same serial numbers have been found in several banks across Baglung, including Nepal Bank, Prabhu Bank, Garima Development Bank, NMB Bank, and Siddhartha Bank. He mentioned that duplicate notes bearing the serial number Jh 79169033 have been repeatedly identified and urged everyone to remain vigilant.

The fake notes were noted to differ in paper quality, the depiction of the national flower, stickers, and security features, yet the serial numbers remained identical.

Shrijay Shrestha, president of the Bankers Club Baglung, informed that Nepal Rastra Bank has also been alerted about the counterfeit notes. He speculated that increased crowds during festivals like Chaite Dashain might facilitate the circulation of counterfeit currency. Shrestha urged the public to be cautious during transactions as counterfeit notes tend to become damaged quickly and are found in significant quantities.