Former King’s security team replaced, number reduced

KATHMANDU: The government has replaced the security team assigned to former King Gyanendra Shah and reduced its size.

The change took place between 11 PM and midnight on Friday, according to a source at the Armed Police Headquarters.

Previously, a 26-member team was deployed at Gyanendra’s residence under the command of DSP Jagdish Hamal.

This team has now been recalled and replaced with a new 16-member unit led by DSP Pramod Prakash Pathak from the 9th Battalion, Balambu.

Although VVIP security protocols allow for a 16-member team, the government had previously assigned 26 personnel.

The decision to restructure and downsize the security team comes as part of a broader review of government-provided facilities for Gyanendra, following conclusions that he was responsible for instigating Friday’s violent protests.