National Human Rights Commission of Nepal member accuses IGP of human rights violation

31-05-2022

Cristina Nicoleta Niculae

Nepal and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence

Mihir Thakur, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has accused the newly appointed Inspector General of Police Dhiraj Pratap Singh of serious human rights violation, urging the government to revoke its decision to appoint him as IGP. Singh was allegedly involved in the disappearance of four Maoists during the 10-year armed conflict at Kawaswoti of Nawalparasi. The incident occurred on 5 January 1999 at a time when Singh was a police inspector.

According to a report published by NHRC on 15 July 2011, the Kawaswoti Police Unit led by Singh was involved in abducting and killing four Maoist rebels Janaki Ranbhat, Dharma Raj Parajuli, Tika Ranabhat, and Ram Chandra Mishra. The families of the deceased asked the NHRC to investigate the case back in October 2004.

The NHRC submitted its report to the government, urging it to take action against Singh and seeking compensation for the victims’ families. The Nepal Police’s Human Right Cell was also asked to probe the case. Mihir commented:

"Any police officer accused of serious human rights violation must not hold the top post. I urge the government to revoke its decision and respect human rights".

The writ petition filed in the Supreme Court against appointing Singh as IGP was postponed due to time constraints. Consequently, Singh was appointed by the Cabinet as the new IGP, a decision which was challenged by Additional Inspector General Bishwaraj Pokharel, who claims that Singh is much junior to him and he (Pokharel) is the most suitable candidate for the post. Singh had previously served as AIG only for one month, whereas Pokharel had been working for more than 16 months.

Pokharel has further asked the Supreme Court to halt the appointment process and nominate him as acting IGP until the final verdict is reached in the case.

Source and further reading:

The Himalayan Times. (May 4, 2022). NHRC member accuses IGP of rights violation. The Himalayan Times. Retrieved May 31, 2022, from https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/nhrc-member-accuses-igp-of-rights-violation