Government Says IGP's Role Change Is Not Disciplinary Action

Government spokesperson and Minister for Education and Sports Sasm it Pokharel has stated that the change in responsibilities of the incumbent Inspector General of Police (IGP) should not be viewed as disciplinary action. Speaking to journalists at Singha Durbar following Thursday's Cabinet meeting, Pokharel clarified that the government had assigned former IGP Karki the role of Prime Minister's Special Security Adviser while appointing Additional Inspector General (AIG) Dr. Manoj Kumar KC as the new IGP. He emphasized that the decision was simply a change in responsibilities following the appointment of a new police chief and should not be interpreted as punishment. During the press briefing, journalists also questioned Pokharel about reports that Prime Minister's Chief Adviser Kumar Ben had taken middleman Inam Sapkota's mobile phone for two days before it underwent forensic examination. Pokharel said he was unaware of the matter and described the reports as rumours circulating publicly. He added that if such an incident had occurred, the concerned authorities would investigate it. The government has assigned former IGP Karki the responsibility of serving as the Prime Minister's Special Security Adviser following the appointment of Dr. Manoj Kumar KC as the new police chief.