After Ganesh Nepali’s Self-Immolation: Why Are Metropolitan Police Absent on Kathmandu Streets?
Image Source, Nepal Photo Library
Following the formation of a government committee to investigate Ganesh Nepali’s self-immolation incident last Thursday in Tripureshwor, the spokesperson for Kathmandu Metropolitan City announced that the metropolitan police have been suspended from regional duties until the committee’s report is released.
The chief of the metropolitan police stated that the department has not abandoned its duties but is currently engaged in internal discussions, considering security sensitivities.
Since Thursday, the absence of metropolitan police in Kathmandu’s New Road area has led to irregular parking and disorganized street markets on the sidewalks.
Metropolitan City Shaken by Self-Immolation Incident
On Ashad 25, 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali self-immolated after a dispute arose when he tried to remove a lock placed by the metropolitan police on his motorcycle near the Passport Department in Tripureshwor.
He died the following day while receiving treatment at Bir Hospital.
Public outrage and anger over the incident have impacted the metropolitan police force.
Reports indicate that the metropolitan police, who are usually proactive in managing traffic and sidewalks on busy roads, have not been deployed on the field since the incident.
When asked if police deployment was suspended in New Road due to security concerns, spokesperson Naveen Myandhar said that deployment was halted following the formation of the investigation committee.
“Since the investigation committee has been established, our metropolitan police are currently not deployed for regional duties,” said spokesperson Myandhar.
“The committee has been given seven days to complete the investigation, after which the situation will be reassessed; that is why police are presently inactive in this area.”
He added that while the metropolitan police are engaged in other duties, discussions continue with the Nepal Police regarding parking and sidewalk management.
“It is crucial to prevent the city from becoming disorganized. A collaborative environment must be created. Uniformed personnel on duty play a vital role. We will proceed according to the directions after the investigation report is submitted.”
Image Source, Nepal Photo Library
Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Chief Bishnu Prasad Joshi affirmed that the police have no intention of abandoning their duties and confirmed police presence in some areas.
“I have seen social media posts claiming we have left the region, which is incorrect. Currently, discussions with executive members, the chief, and the chief administrative officer are underway in an appropriate model,” Joshi said.
“There are security matters involved. Decisions on regional deployment are being made in coordination with security agencies. The police were established for these reasons and cannot avoid their responsibilities,” he added. He also mentioned active management of parking around the Dharahara area.
When Will the Investigation Be Completed?
On Sunday, Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel from the government side and Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain from the metropolitan side reached a nine-point agreement with Ganesh Nepali’s family.
The first provision mandates the formation of an independent investigation committee led by a former Supreme Court justice that will submit an impartial investigation report within seven days.
According to the agreement, the metropolitan city must, based on the investigation committee’s report or recommendations, inform the district administration office to suspend the metropolitan police officers involved on that day.
Records of interviews with the involved officers after the incident have also been obtained.
Sorrowful Incident, Yet Operations Continue ‘According to Regulations’
Although the Ashad 25 incident was negative, the metropolitan police defended their actions as consistent with rules and laws.
“We are saddened by the incident, but the metropolitan police have fulfilled their responsibilities within the legal powers granted to us,” they stated.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Act 2080 authorizes the metropolitan police to manage parking.
The Constitution even empowers local levels to enact their own laws.
According to Schedule 8 of the Constitution, local governments have the right to establish and operate metropolitan police.
The metropolitan city has been fulfilling the responsibility of parking and market management under the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Act 2080.
Section 7 (g) of the Act designates “market and vehicle parking management” as a duty of the metropolitan police.
Accordingly, police impose fines on those who park vehicles irregularly and tow vehicles to the traffic police office.
Fines have been set at NPR 1,000 for two- or three-wheeled vehicles, NPR 2,500 for four-wheelers, NPR 3,500 for buses and trucks, and NPR 5,000 for large vehicles.
The Supreme Court resolved jurisdictional disputes on Poush 23, 2076 by endorsing the authority vested in metropolitan police.