Self-Immolation of Ganesh Nepali Raises Questions About Metropolitan Police Authority and Conduct

On Thursday afternoon in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Ganesh Nepali, a young man, set himself on fire amidst a dispute with the metropolitan police over a ‘wheel lock’ applied to his parked motorcycle. This incident has sparked widespread debate regarding the authority and conduct of the metropolitan police. What exactly are the powers of the metropolitan police? How should one exercise caution when various agencies impose irregular fines and punishments? These questions have gained significant attention.

Ganesh Nepali, aged 25 from Mugu, was admitted to the hospital with severe burns. Due to his critical condition, the government announced on Friday morning that he could not be immediately transferred to India for treatment. However, within a few hours, Bir Hospital reported his death during treatment. This incident has deeply saddened the Chief of Kathmandu Metropolitan Police, who also clarified that their actions were strictly lawful.

The Constitution grants various authorities to local bodies, allowing them to enact their own laws. According to Schedule 8 of the Constitution, local units are empowered to form and manage municipal police. Currently, the Metropolitan Police Service is being implemented under the Metropolitan Police Act, 2080, passed by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Assembly. Vishnu Prasad Joshi, Chief of Kathmandu Metropolitan Police, stated, “Section 7 (g) of this Act entrusts us with the responsibility to regulate and manage markets and vehicle parking areas.”

Addressing Ganesh Nepali’s self-immolation on Friday in parliament, Basana Thapa, Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress, sharply criticized the government. She recalled a post written by then-mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Balendra Shah, about a similar self-immolation incident nearly three and a half years ago. Thapa questioned, “Why is there silence from you on yesterday’s incident? When you were in the opposition, you raised strong questions to the government, so why are you distant from answering these questions now that you lead the government?”