The sudden change at the top of Nepal Police has opened a new debate over political influence, institutional independence and accountability within the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
The Cabinet on Wednesday appointed Additional Inspector General Manoj Kumar KC as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), moving incumbent chief Dan Bahadur Karki to a newly created position as the Prime Minister's Special Security Adviser.
Although the government describes the decision as a reassignment of responsibilities rather than disciplinary action, it has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for changing the police leadership before Karki completed his service tenure. Reports indicate he had approximately 17 months remaining before mandatory retirement.
Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said the decision should not be interpreted as punishment, adding that Karki would continue serving the government in a security advisory role.
However, the explanation has left an important question unanswered: If Karki was considered suitable to advise the prime minister on national security, why was he removed from leading the country's police force?
Disagreements between the government and police leadership
The leadership change follows months of reported disagreements between Karki and the political leadership over police operations, investigations and administrative decisions.
One major point of friction reportedly involved the government's push to arrest former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak following the investigation into the September 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown. Karki was reportedly seeking clear written instructions and sufficient legal grounds before proceeding with the arrests. Both individuals were subsequently arrested and later released following a Supreme Court order.
Disagreements were also reported over police personnel transfers at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), with concerns that large-scale transfers could disrupt ongoing investigations.
Inam Sapkota investigation adds another layer
Questions surrounding Karki intensified after businessman Inam Sapkota was arrested in an alleged money-laundering investigation. Information reportedly recovered from Sapkota's mobile phones brought several influential figures, including individuals connected to the police and political establishment, into public discussion.
Karki's reported communications with Sapkota also attracted attention. Sources close to the former police chief have maintained that their contact did not involve any improper assistance. The allegations have not, by themselves, established wrongdoing by Karki.
Separate reports have also raised questions about the handling of two phones seized during the investigation. According to accounts attributed to police sources, the devices were allegedly kept at the residence of Prime Minister's Chief Adviser Kumar Ben for two days before forensic examination. Questions have been raised about the custody and handling of potential digital evidence, but these allegations have not been independently established.
Political disagreement over the decision
The move has also exposed reported differences within the ruling establishment. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane was reportedly reluctant to support Karki's early removal without publicly defensible grounds.
RSP spokesperson Jagadish Kharel also said the party had not instructed the government to remove Karki, clarifying that its earlier direction concerned investigating the police action against journalists and holding responsible officials accountable.
Despite the reported disagreement, the Cabinet proceeded with the leadership change.
Questions remain unanswered
The government has the authority to oversee the country's police administration, but an early change in the leadership of a major security institution carries wider implications than an ordinary personnel transfer.
Whether the decision was based on performance concerns, alleged misconduct, disagreements over investigations or other administrative considerations remains unclear.
Until the government provides a detailed explanation, questions about the circumstances surrounding Karki's removal and the independence of police investigations are likely to remain central to the debate.
The appointment of a new police chief has been completed. The reasons behind the decision, however, remain a matter requiring public clarification.
ICN News Desk
