Madhesh Province DIG embroiled in corruption controversy

Kathmandu. The head of Madhesh Province, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Govinda Thapaliya, has been embroiled in a controversy.

A conversation between Sub-Inspector (SI) Sagar Shamsher Jabara, in-charge of the Janaki Police Post in Dhanusha, Madhesh Province, and a businessman has gone viral on social media. In the audio, the businessman alleges that DIG's informants extort 300,000 rupees monthly from him and 150,000 rupees from another individual in the name of the DIG.

In the audio recording, the businessman states, 'Jaylal Yadav takes 300,000 from me, and 150,000 from Umesh.'

Jaylal Yadav is a police SI. Although his official posting is at the District Police Office, Siraha, he travels across all eight districts of the Terai and acts according to the DIG's instructions.

DIG Thapaliya, who took charge in Madhesh Province on 2082 Ashoj 24, has appointed another Senior SI, Gopal Thapa Magar, in his office. Thapa Magar, working at the Madhesh Province Police Office, is accused of collaborating with smugglers across the province to facilitate border crossings and running an extortion racket. Regarding Thapa Magar, a police officer working in Madhesh Province remarked, 'Thapa Magar is not a Senior SI, he is the AIG of Madhesh.' His sarcasm implies that Thapa Magar is more powerful than DIG Thapaliya.

Thapa Magar has established the influence to 'compel' District SPs to follow his orders. Following the leak of Jabara's audio on social media, Senior SIs Jabara and Thapa Magar, along with SI Yadav, have been recalled to the Police Headquarters.

DIG Thapaliya has initiated the suspension process against Senior SI Jabara for allegedly recording and leaking the audio conversation. SP Bheshraj Rijal of the Madhesh Province Police Office made the suspension process public through a press release on Baishakh 7.

Regarding the conversation between Jabara and the businessman, DIG Thapaliya stated, 'It appears to be a planned and orchestrated phone call that was recorded; an investigation is underway.' According to the audio details, SI Jaylal appears to be collecting money in the name of the DIG from those smuggling goods from India to evade customs.

When asked about the allegations that he runs an 'extortion racket' in Madhesh by deploying Senior SI Thapa Magar and SI Yadav as informants, DIG Thapaliya told Rato Pati, 'Allegations must be substantiated.'

DIG Thapaliya mentioned that the Police Headquarters is investigating the recent 'financial disputes' observed in Madhesh.

Saptari SP also under investigation

Following the release of an audio clip contrary to professional conduct, the head of the District Police Office, Saptari, SP Gautam KC, has also been dragged into a controversy. A conversation between KC and an individual has been made public. In the audio, he is heard reprimanding the person for writing against him on social media.

The audio conversation reflects complaints about the difficulty of filing complaints at the District Police Office and the lack of facilitation by the police. A committee has been formed to investigate the facts of the matter.

According to Nepal Police spokesperson (DIG) Abi Narayan Kafle, a committee led by SSP Kamal Thapa has been formed to investigate SP KC. Thapa is currently working at the Madhesh Province Police Office.