KATHMANDU, Dec 5: The commission formed to investigate the suppression of the Gen-Z protests and the subsequent vandalism has been recording the statement of Kathmandu’s then Chief District Officer (CDO) Chhabi Rijal for the past three days.
The protests that began at Maitighar had reached Baneshwar, where demonstrators attempted to enter the Parliament building. It was at this point that Kathmandu CDO Rijal had issued the order to open fire.
A source associated with the investigation commission said, “His statement has been ongoing for two days and will likely conclude on Friday. The commission is questioning him regarding the use of force during the Gen-Z protests and the role of the then CDO.”
Soon after the protests and the formation of a new government, Rijal was removed from his position as Kathmandu’s CDO. He is currently in the surplus pool of the Ministry of General Administration. The probe commission had barred him from leaving the Kathmandu Valley without permission and recommended the suspension of his passport.
Other stakeholders linked to the suppression of the Gen-Z movement have submitted written responses stating that matters of law and order fall under the authority of the Chief District Officer, and therefore, he must take responsibility for the incident.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandra Kuber Khapung, in a written response submitted to the Supreme Court, stated that maintaining law and order in the district falls under the jurisdiction of the CDO, and district security personnel operate under their command. He wrote, “On that day, responsibility for Kathmandu’s law and order lay with the Chief District Officer.”
Former Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi had claimed that security forces opened fire in self-defense.