Additional Inspector General (AIG) of the Armed Police Force (APF), Banshi Raj Dahal, has been removed from service.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said that Dahal was subjected to departmental action and removed from service for repeatedly violating conduct rules, engaging in indiscipline, and committing acts that tarnished the reputation and image of the Nepal government or the organization in which he served.
According to the ministry, he was removed from service effective October 9.
The action was announced in a statement issued on Friday by Home Ministry Joint Secretary and spokesperson Ananda Kafle.
Dahal was due to retire on October 13 upon completing his four-year term.
Citing a provision in the Armed Police Force Regulations that allows a term to be extended by one year, APF headquarters had already submitted a proposal to the Home Ministry seeking an extension of his tenure.
However, Dahal was dismissed just days before his scheduled retirement.
He had been suspended after evidence emerged that he had engaged in sensitive security-related conversations with an individual named Inam Sapkota. On Friday morning, he was recommendation for action, including dismissal from service.
According to Home Ministry sources, AIG Anjani Pokharel, who had been appointed as the investigating officer, submitted the inquiry report on Thursday.
The report also included evidence that AIG Dahal had exchanged sensitive information related to the prime minister.
His statement was also recorded and attached to the report. During questioning, Dahal acknowledged communicating with Sapkota.
According to Home Ministry sources, Dahal said that Sapkota was from the same district as him.
Rule 110 of the Armed Police Force Regulations, 2015, outlines various punishments, divided into ordinary and special punishments.
Ordinary punishments include withholding grades, salary increments, or promotions, as well as demotion.
Special punishments include removal from service in a manner that disqualifies the individual from future government employment, as well as dismissal.
Rule 113 provides for removal from service or dismissal.
The report submitted to the Home Ministry cited the relevant provisions governing the disciplinary action.
Dahal had also visited the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office late at night when former chief justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana was arrested.
