Nepal Appoints Manoj KC as New Police Chief, Replacing Dan Bahadur Karki
Nepal’s Cabinet has appointed Additional Inspector General Dr Manoj Kumar KC as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), replacing Dan Bahadur Karki in a sudden leadership change. Karki has been assigned the newly created position of special security adviser to the Prime Minister. The government says the move is a reassignment of responsibilities rather than disciplinary action.
KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Manoj Kumar KC as the new chief of Nepal Police, replacing Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki through a Cabinet decision on Wednesday.
The decision was taken during an emergency Cabinet meeting. KC, who previously headed the Crime Investigation Department at Nepal Police Headquarters, has been promoted from Additional Inspector General (AIG) to Inspector General of Police.
Karki, meanwhile, has been transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers as the Prime Minister’s special security adviser.
The appointment makes KC the 34th Inspector General of Nepal Police. His appointment took effect on November 4 under Rule 41 of the Police Regulations, 2014.
Government Says Karki Has Not Been Punished
The sudden replacement of the police chief has raised questions about the reasons behind the decision, particularly because Karki had approximately 17 months remaining in his expected tenure.
Government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel said the Cabinet had created a new position of special security adviser at the level of Inspector General of Police.
According to the government, the position is intended to provide security-related advice and recommendations to the Prime Minister and strengthen national security arrangements.
Pokharel said the decision should not be interpreted as disciplinary action against Karki, describing it instead as a change in responsibilities.
However, the unexpected leadership change has attracted public and political attention, with questions being raised about the circumstances surrounding Karki’s reassignment.
Manoj KC Receives Rank Insignia
Following the Cabinet decision, Home Minister Sudan Gurung personally conferred the Inspector General's rank insignia on KC at a ceremony held on Wednesday.
The ceremony also attracted attention because the responsibility of presenting the insignia had traditionally been performed by the Home Secretary.
KC had been serving as chief of the Crime Investigation Department at Police Headquarters before his appointment.
His elevation places him at the head of Nepal Police, an institution responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating criminal offences and protecting public security across the country.
KC's Role in the Fake Bhutanese Refugee Case
KC gained national prominence through his role in the investigation of the fake Bhutanese refugee scam.
While leading the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, his team advanced an investigation into an alleged racket that promised to send Nepali citizens to the United States by falsely presenting them as Bhutanese refugees.
The investigation led to the arrest of several suspects and later implicated prominent political and administrative figures, including former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand, former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and former Home Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey.
KC's role in the investigation made him a prominent figure in Nepal's law-enforcement sector.
Throughout his career, he has held several important positions, including leadership roles in the Central Investigation Bureau, the Crime Investigation Department and district police offices.
Karki Consults Lawyers After Removal
Karki's transfer has also raised questions about the legal implications of changing the police leadership before the expected completion of his tenure.
According to reporting by The Kathmandu Post, Karki has begun consulting lawyers following the Cabinet decision.
His reassignment to the Prime Minister's Office means he will no longer lead Nepal Police, although the government has maintained that he has not been subjected to disciplinary action.
The legal and administrative implications of the decision may become clearer as further developments emerge.
New Police Chief Faces Major Responsibilities
KC assumes leadership at a time when Nepal Police faces significant responsibilities, including controlling organised crime, investigating financial fraud, maintaining public order and strengthening public trust in law enforcement.
His experience in high-profile criminal investigations is likely to attract attention as he begins his new role.
However, leading the national police force involves responsibilities beyond investigating major cases. The new IGP will also be expected to strengthen institutional accountability, ensure professional policing and maintain the independence of investigations.
The appointment marks a significant change in Nepal's security administration. How KC leads the force and how the government manages the transition will remain important issues in the coming weeks.