KATHMANDU: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandrakuber Khapung has stated that no one gave orders to police to open fire during the violent events of September 8 and 9.
Speaking in an interview on a television program on Thursday, Khapung described the shootings as the outcome of circumstances at the time. On September 8, during the Gen-Z movement demonstration, 19 people were killed, 17 in Kathmandu and two in Itahari, Sunsari.
On September 9, widespread destruction, looting, and arson led to the deaths of an additional 57 people, including 23 protesters, 10 detainees, and three police officers, while the deaths of 41 others remain unexplained. Twelve people reportedly died in a fire at Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket.
Amid ongoing criticism of the police leadership, Khapung clarified that the force acted according to its legal duty to protect sensitive structures, such as the Parliament building. “The deaths are tragic and deeply saddening. I personally express my regret,” he said.
When asked who ordered the shooting, Khapung said, “No one gave such an order. The situation escalated, leaving the police with no option but to use force. We were prepared to use minimum force, but the circumstances went beyond control.”
He rejected claims that then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli or Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak issued the firing order. “The Prime Minister or Home Minister does not give such orders. Everyone fulfills their responsibilities according to the law, and that is what happened on September 8 and 9,” Khapung said.
Khapung also confirmed that a special police team is investigating the events and that a high-level commission led by former Chief Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki is also working on the case. He said the so-called intruders escalated the situation during the Gen-Z program, prompting leaders to ask supporters to return home.
Regarding coordination between security agencies, Khapung rejected claims of poor cooperation, stating that the Nepal Police and Army worked in tandem. While acknowledging that the state’s information mechanisms could have been better, he said the restraint of security forces prevented even greater casualties.
On the question of arresting former Prime Minister Oli and Home Minister Lekhak, Khapung said the interim government is carefully observing the law. “No one has been ordered arrested yet. The investigation commission will conclude and decide accordingly,” he added.
IGP Khapung also assured that Nepal Police are fully prepared for the upcoming elections on March 5, 2026, emphasizing the need for clear policies and decisions to maintain morale and ensure lawful execution of duties without undue scrutiny.
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