KATHMANDU, May 21: Four drivers of the garbage truck of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) were released on Monday.

This came in the wake of Mayor of the KMC, Balendra Shah (Balen) warning through social media that if the detained drivers are not released immediately, garbage collection will be halted at Singha Durbar and the residences of political leaders. He had criticized the government for arresting drivers while failing to apprehend corrupt officials.

He wrote on social media, “The corrupt remain free, while this government arrests four drivers who manage Kathmandu's waste. Until these drivers are freed, we will not collect garbage from party offices, residences of ruling party leaders or Singha Durbar. Anyone who wishes to confront us can do so; no one will be spared.”

The drivers were released on Monday itself less than an hour after he wrote the status on social media. Mayor Shah has informed that the arrested drivers have been released with honor.

Writing another social media post after the release of the drivers, he said, "Regardless of their rank or role, every employee who adheres to rules and laws and every citizen of this city, has self-respect. Kathmandu metropolis is sensitive to this. The Kathmandu metropolis will not tolerate any disrespect towards its employees. Please understand and act accordingly.”