BIRATNAGAR: The Koshi Province Police have sought a written explanation from Morang Police Chief SP Kabit Katuwal while simultaneously launching an outreach effort to rebuild trust with the business community following controversy over recent police raids on the homes and offices of industrialists in Biratnagar.
The Koshi Province Police Office on Tuesday directed SP Katuwal to submit a written clarification within 24 hours. At the same time, Koshi Province Police Chief DIG Shekhar Khanal met with industrialists and business representatives to discuss industrial security, emerging security challenges, and ways to strengthen coordination between the police and the private sector.
The interaction, held at the provincial police headquarters, was attended by office-bearers of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Koshi Province) and other business leaders. The meeting was aimed at addressing concerns and easing anxiety among the business community following the controversial operation.
The controversy stems from a police raid conducted early on Monday at the residence and office of Prakash Mundada, managing director of the Devnara Group and vice president of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries’ Koshi Province chapter.
Police deployed a large number of personnel from around 4 a.m. to search the premises over suspicions of illegal business activities and tax evasion.
The operation drew criticism from industrialists and business leaders, who argued that the raid was carried out without sufficient grounds or due process and that the heavy police deployment created unnecessary fear.
Following the backlash, the Koshi Province Police Office initiated an internal review and demanded a detailed explanation from SP Katuwal.
In a nine-point clarification letter signed by Senior Superintendent of Police Yogendra Singh Thapa, the provincial office asked Katuwal to explain the intelligence, evidence or credible information that led to the operation, how the information had been verified, and to provide supporting records.
The clarification also seeks details on the justification for deploying a large police force, whether approval had been obtained from higher authorities, and whether all legal and procedural requirements had been fulfilled before the search.
Police have also asked for an explanation of the operation’s outcome and whether the action unnecessarily created fear among industrialists and the public, potentially affecting the professional image of the Nepal Police.
During his meeting with business leaders, DIG Khanal stressed the need to strengthen mutual trust, coordination and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the private sector to effectively address security challenges.
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