Jhyaple tragedy: Investigation underway amid allegations of police negligence

Kathmandu, October 6 — The Police Headquarters is investigating the accident that occurred in Jhyaple Khola, located in Dhading's Dhunibeshi Municipality-9.

During the heavy rainfall on September 27 and 28, a landslide in Jhyaple Khola buried two microbuses and a bus, resulting in the deaths of 35 people. It is assessed that the then Superintendent of Police (SP) of Dhading Gautam KC played a negligent role in the incident. The Home Ministry has recalled both the former Chief District Officer of Dhading, Rajendra Dev Pandey, and SP KC.

To investigate the accident, the Police Headquarters has formed a committee led by SSP Siddhi Bikram Shah, which is currently examining the details of the incident.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued a notice prohibiting traffic on the Narayangadh-Muglin route up to Nagdhunga, which officials state was ignored by the police, leading to the accident. The committee led by SSP Shah visited the accident site in Dhading on Sunday and interviewed police officials.

Initial findings suggest that the accident occurred because police failed to stop vehicles coming from Gorkha and Chitwan due to SP KC's negligence. Among the deceased were 25 men, 9 women, and 1 girl, all of whom have been identified.

The bus numbered Na. 4 Kha 2270 coming from Gorkha, a Hiace numbered Ba.2 Kha 1345 from Chitwan, and a winger numbered Lu. 1 Ja 4577 met with accidents. The Chief District Officer has also been accused of failing to coordinate properly. As a consequence, the Chief District Officer has been recalled, and further actions will be taken against the SP following the investigation report, according to a senior official from the Home Ministry.

After the accident, Suman Ghimire has been assigned as the new Chief District Officer of Dhading, and Dipendra Shahi is the new District Police Chief.

The Home Ministry also recalled the Chief District Officer of Kavre, Surya Prasad Sedhai, for not playing an effective role in managing monsoon-related disasters. Umesh Dhakal has been assigned the position of Chief District Officer in Kavre.