KATHMANDU: A standoff unfolded at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) office in Kamaladi as Mayor Balena Shah deployed municipal police to prevent Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Saroj Guragain from entering the premises.
A large team of municipal police, led by City Police Chief Rajunath Pandey, was stationed at the office gate and parking area, blocking Guragain’s return after a three-month absence.
The mayor’s move has sparked a heated dispute within the city administration.
Opposing the mayor’s decision, several ward chairpersons, including Ward No. 5 Chairman Birendra Kakshapati, have called for Guragain’s reinstatement, arguing that his absence has caused significant disruptions. Employees have reportedly gone three months without receiving their salaries due to the administrative deadlock.
Ward Chairs Navin Manandhar, Kakshapati and Chinikaji Maharjan have arrived at the Kamaladi office in an attempt to ensure Guragain’s return.
They have expressed frustration, stating that the municipal police, under the mayor’s directive, are effectively controlling the office instead of allowing the elected representatives to manage city affairs.
In a further escalation, Mayor Balen reportedly ordered the city police to lock the wheels of the vehicle carrying Guragain, preventing him from entering the office compound.
The move has intensified the conflict between the mayor’s office and other metropolitan representatives.
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