Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has issued a four-point clarification regarding the dismissal of Armed Police Force Additional Inspector General (AIG) Banshiraj Dahal. The explanation, released by the Home Minister’s secretariat on Friday, states that Dahal was dismissed for repeatedly violating codes of conduct, engaging in indisciplinary acts, and damaging the reputation and image of the Nepal government and his organization.
According to Anand Kafle, Joint Secretary and spokesperson for the Home Ministry, Dahal’s dismissal was effective from Ashoj 23, 2083 (BS). Minister Gurung stated that he exercised the authority granted by the Armed Police Force Act and Regulations to take departmental action against a high-ranking officer who failed to adhere to the conduct expected of their service and position. This marks a significant departmental action against a senior officer in the history of the Armed Police Force, Nepal.
The Home Ministry’s clarification also noted that the Minister is closely monitoring and analyzing activities by police personnel under the ministry that violate official conduct, leak sensitive confidential information, or adversely affect peace and security. The Minister affirmed the Home Ministry’s commitment to taking action against anyone involved in illegal activities or incidents according to prevailing laws, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining public peace and security.
Allegations and investigation
Dahal was accused of leaking sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. Prime Minister Balen Shah also served as Home Minister from Baisakh 9 to Jestha 26, 2083 (BS). Following these allegations, the Home Ministry suspended Dahal and formed an investigation committee led by AIG Anjani Kumar Pokharel.
The inquiry committee submitted its report to Home Minister Sudhan Gurung on Thursday, concluding that Dahal had engaged in activities contrary to official conduct and recommending his dismissal. The Armed Police Force Regulations, 2072, Section 113, outlines provisions for departmental punishment, including removal from service and dismissal. Section 115 stipulates that the Home Minister is the authority empowered to impose departmental punishment on an AIG. Minister Gurung utilized this authority to dismiss Dahal.
What happens next
Dahal has the option to appeal the dismissal decision to the Nepal government (Council of Ministers). His four-year tenure was set to conclude on Ashoj 28, 2083 (BS). It remains unclear whether Dahal will file an appeal.
AIG Banshiraj Dahal was previously dismissed on charges of leaking Prime Minister Balen Shah’s sensitive information. You can read our earlier coverage here.
