Out as IGP, in as adviser: Nepal has seen this before
Summary
Nepal’s removal of Dan Bahadur Karki as inspector general of police has revived memories of a similar power shift from 1997, when Bamdev Gautam replaced Achyut Krishna Kharel after just 36 days in office. The earlier move triggered legal challenge, political backlash, and eventually Kharel’s restoration.
Key Points
- The government’s removal of Dan Bahadur Karki as IGP has revived memories of a similar episode from three decades ago.
- In 1997, home minister Bamdev Gautam removed Achyut Krishna Kharel after only 36 days and appointed Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan as the new IGP.
- Kharel challenged the dismissal in the Supreme Court, while critics accused Gautam of misusing state machinery.
- After the Chand government fell, Surya Bahadur Thapa’s cabinet restored Kharel as IGP and made Pradhan a special adviser.
