KATHMANDU, Feb 11: The Chief of the District Police Range (DPR), Kathmandu, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bishwa Adhikari has clarified that anyone involved in assaulting police officers will not receive immunity.
During a press conference at the DPR office on Tuesday, journalists questioned SSP Adhikari about a student leader from All Nepal National Free Student Union (ANNFSU), the student wing of CPN-UML, who allegedly assaulted a police officer in Thamel and is currently evading police action allegedly due to his political affiliation.
"We have no affiliation with any party," SSP Adhikari replied.
He stated that the police have launched an investigation against the five individuals involved in the incident and will take "1000% action" if further involvement is discovered.
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Last Thursday, a group led by Kamal Raj Joshi, a standing committee member of the student organization ANNFSU, assaulted police officers on duty.
The police issued arrest warrants for the five individuals involved in the incident, but Joshi was granted immunity. This has raised concerns about potential political pressure on the police.
On Sunday, the police arrested 26-year-old Dinesh Sigdel from Phungling Municipality-1 in Taplejung and 22-year-old Ramesh Phulara from Ganayapdhura Rural Municipality-5 in Dadeldhura on charges of assaulting officers. Both are students at Amrit Science Campus and are affiliated with the CPN-UML student organization.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Apil Raj Bohara at the DPR stated that the police have initiated an investigation against the arrested Sigdel and Phulara for indecent behavior, with a five-day remand ordered by the District Administration Office in Kathmandu. Three others-Nabin Airee, Saujanya Shahi, and Gopal Bahadur Shahi remain at large despite arrest warrants being issued against them.
During the incident, police constable Jagulal Chaudhary and officer Nagendra Raj Bista were assaulted. The group, including Joshi, attacked the Quick Response Team (QRT) while they were on duty at the Keshar Mahal post in Durbar Marg.
They became even more aggressive when the police tried to reason with them. It has been revealed that they knocked over two police motorcycles and even struck with a stick. In the video footage, Joshi is seen pointing his finger at the police, warning them.
SSP Adhikari had previously claimed that Joshi did not face any charges as he had been seen attempting to disperse the fight rather than involve in it.
