Discussion and Investigation Underway into Leak of Sensitive Information by Senior Armed Police Official

The government has initiated an investigation into a senior officer, who holds the second highest position in the Armed Police Force, on allegations of leaking sensitive state information. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced through an official statement on Monday that Additional Inspector General Vanshiraj Dahal of the Armed Police has been suspended while a formal inquiry is ongoing. However, no government agency has yet officially disclosed the specifics of what type of information was leaked or to whom.

Former Home and Defense Minister Bhim Rawal stated that if Dahal leaked information that could severely impact state systems or laws, it would be appropriate to release details only after the investigation is completed. Rawal added, “An official of the rank of Additional Inspector General should provide an explanation, but it has not been confirmed whether any information was actually leaked.”

Former Chief Secretary Bimal Koirala emphasized that the exact reason for the suspension should be made public for transparency and public awareness. He further noted, “If a certain kind of information was shared with a specific individual, that person would be responsible, but no such details have emerged so far.” Home Minister Sudhan Gurung also acknowledged a long-standing trend within the Ministry of Home Affairs and affiliated departments where officials and staff have neglected their responsibilities and leaked confidential or sensitive information to unauthorized parties.

Experts note that the law imposes strict legal penalties for leaking state secrets or sharing information for foreign benefit. However, suspension of high-ranking officials on charges of information leakage is unprecedented in Nepal in recent decades. Rawal remarked, “There is a significant weakness in the confidentiality of information within our state.”