KATHMANDU, Nov 22: The CPN-UML’s decision to appoint Pushparaj Shrestha, who has a criminal background, as commander of the National Volunteer Force has stirred controversy.
Shrestha was appointed at a ceremony held at Karki Banquet in Babarmahal, Kathmandu on Friday, in the presence of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli.
NA Major General Thapa appointed Force Commander of UNDOF
Shrestha, formerly associated with the Maoist Young Communist League (YCL), has been linked to multiple criminal activities in the past. Police records show that Shrestha spent more than two years in Sindhuli prison for kidnapping and unlawful detention.
Those familiar with Shrestha said his reputation remains tainted. Former Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal also revealed that he had introduced Shrestha to the YCL in an effort to reform him.
A permanent resident of Kamalamai Municipality-4, Shrestha served as a central YCL member and was in charge of Sindhuli. During the Maoist Centre-UML merger, he reportedly worked closely with former Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa and remained with UML after the party split.
Police sources also note that while in UML, Shrestha maintained close ties with Politburo member Mahesh Basnet.
From 2006 to 2018, Shrestha faced more than seven criminal charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping, unlawful detention, public offences, indecent behaviour, and gambling-related crimes. Analysts say Shrestha’s appointment has raised questions about the party’s commitment to ethical leadership and the criteria used for selecting key positions within its volunteer force.
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