KATHMANDU: A violent clash between two communities in Kaptanganj Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3 in Sunsari has exposed a leadership vacuum in the district’s security agencies, with the chiefs of both Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force (APF) absent.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Keshav Kumar Thebe, chief of the District Police Office, has been on leave for the past four days after travelling outside the district to care for his ailing father.
Similarly, Koshi Province Police Chief Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Binod Ghimire is also on leave.
The district has also been without a permanent APF commander since late Asar after the force’s Sunsari chief was recalled to headquarters.
According to the report, APF SP Shyam Karki, commander of APF No. 4 Battalion in Inaruwa, was transferred to APF headquarters in Halchowk on July 14 following a directive from Home Minister Sudan Gurung during his visit to eastern Nepal.
The minister had reportedly instructed the APF headquarters to recall the SPs of Sunsari and Jhapa, alleging they had failed to curb cross-border smuggling. The report claims the action was taken based on an anonymous complaint.
Although Karki was recalled for investigation, no replacement has been posted to Sunsari, leaving one of the country’s most sensitive border districts without a permanent APF commander for nearly a month.
The report also states that the SP of Jhapa was recalled at the same time, but replacements have yet to be appointed.
According to the report, eight security personnel, including two APF deputy superintendents of police (DSPs), were transferred to headquarters for investigation over alleged involvement in smuggling.
During questioning, junior security personnel allegedly told investigators that money collected through smuggling activities was passed on to senior officers, prompting authorities to widen the investigation.
Comment