Inquiry Commission Recommends Criminal Charges Against Former IGP for Deadly Protests

Kathmandu. The commission formed to investigate the recent protests has recommended filing criminal charges against the then Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandra Kuber Khapung. The commission led by Gauribahadur Karki, which investigated the protests and unruly activities that occurred on Bhadra 23 and 24, submitted its report on Sunday, stating that Khapung should also be investigated and prosecuted under criminal law.

Khapung was the Inspector General of Police when police opened fire, resulting in the deaths of teenagers in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. Officers deployed in the field stated that IGP Chandra Kuber Khapung gave the order to use excessive force, including lethal weapons.

It is analyzed that the destruction on the following day was caused by the anger of protesters following the excessive use of force the day before. The commission also recommended filing criminal charges against the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and the then Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu, Chhabilal Rijal.

According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, 39 protesters nationwide died from gunshot wounds on Bhadra 23 and 24. A total of 76 people died in the protests. Autopsies for 34 people who died from gunshot wounds were conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

On Bhadra 23, around 1 PM, IGP Khapung ordered the police to open fire via police communication sets (walkie-talkies). Officers deployed in the field stated that Khapung gave the order to shoot after protesters concentrated on the Parliament building. Quoting Khapung, one officer said, "They have surrounded the Parliament building, what are you waiting for? Open fire."

A member of the commission told Ratopati that the inquiry commission recommended departmental action against the officials of the District Security Committee Kathmandu. He stated, "It is recommended to file criminal cases against the chairman of the District Security Committee and departmental action against others."

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