KATHMANDU, Jan 3: A missing government-issued pistol from a Sub-Inspector of Nepal Police in Bara has triggered a major investigation within the Madhesh Province Police.
The 9 mm pistol, carried by Sub-Inspector (SI) Sonu Kumar Mishra of the Kabahi Police Station, went missing under mysterious circumstances on December 26.
Following the incident, the Provincial Police Office in Janakpur summoned 10 officers including Mishra and other subordinate staff of the unit for investigation in the Provincial Police Department. All of those summoned were working under SI Mishra at Kabahi Police Beat. Two of those summoned were on leave during the incident when the pistol went missing.
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SSP Kamal Thapa, spokesperson of Madesh Province Police Office, told Republica that a four-member inquiry committee led by SP Bhesh Rijal has been formed to investigate the case.
Earlier, Province Police Chief DIG Govinda Thapliya conducted an initial assessment of the scene. Afterward, all personnel working at the station were brought to Janakpur for further investigation.
According to police, the preliminary statements suggest that SI Mishra lost the pistol while on night patrol. However, he also later claimed that it went missing from the barracks itself. “His dubious statements have left details unclear and raised suspicions over the lost gun,” said SSP Thapa.
The probe committee is questioning all police officers separately. Police sources have refuted the claims that the gun might have been stolen by smugglers or dacoits in the area.
While the probe committee is yet to complete its investigation, police said that SI Mishra will definitely face some kind of departmental action for not being able to secure the firearms. If SI Mishra is found guilty in any way to smuggle the gun he will face other criminal offenses related to firearms.
