Chandra Kuber Khapung Appointed as IGP of Nepal Police
Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung has been appointed as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). He was appointed by the Cabinet decision on 2082 Bhadra 13 (Friday) and will assume responsibility from Bhadra 19. Khapung will lead the police organization for 69 days.
The current IGP Deepak Thapa will retire on Bhadra 18 due to completing 30 years of service. Former IGP Basanta Kunwar, current IGP Thapa, and newly appointed IGP Khapung were all selected as police inspectors in the same competitive intake. Due to phased appointments, all three received opportunities to lead Nepal Police.
Background of Appointment
-
Along with Kunwar, 50 officers were appointed to Nepal Police and 2 to “Special Police” on Chaitra 12, 2051.
-
Current IGP Thapa, AIG Tek Bahadur Tamang, Sudip Giri, and others were appointed on Bhadra 19, 2052.
-
A second batch of 40 officers, including Khapung, had their names published for inspector appointments but were not appointed. The case went to court, and later the government appointed them in the third phase on Kartik 27, 2052.
Retirement Provision
According to the Police Regulations, 2071, IGPs must retire based on whichever comes first among:
-
58 years of age
-
4-year tenure
-
30 years of service
Like IGP Thapa, Khapung will retire due to completing 30 years of service on Kartik 26, 2082. He was promoted from DIG to AIG on Baisakh 15, 2082.
Personal and Professional Details
-
Date of Birth: Mangsir 23, 2027, Morahang, Tehrathum
-
Age: 55 years
-
Positions Held: Province Police Chief (Koshi Province), Chief of Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, District Police Chief, Ward and Area Police Chief, Prime Minister’s Security Officer
-
International Experience: Served twice in UN Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti
-
Training: Security training from Italy, South Korea, Vietnam, and China
-
Education: Master’s Degree from Tribhuvan University
Khapung is regarded by police officials as an experienced officer in criminal investigation and field operations. Although his tenure is short, he is expected to focus on peace and security, crime investigation and control, and administrative tasks, while adhering to due process. He faces challenges in procurement, transfers, and promotions, where resisting political pressure will be necessary.
Historical Context of Nepal Police Leadership
In the 75-year history of Nepal Police, including Khapung, 32 officers have reached the top position. The Nepal Police organization was established in 2007 after the fall of the Rana regime by merging the “Mukti Sena” (Freedom Fighters) and government security forces (Army).
-
The first IGP was General Toran Shamsher Rana, appointed on Chaitra 28, 2007, but removed within 3 days. He was replaced by Nara Shamsher Rana.
-
Until 2053, IGPs had tenures ranging from 2 to 6 years.
-
In Falgun 2053, Achyut Krishna Kharel became IGP, but his first term lasted only 36 days. He was replaced by Dhruva Bahadur Pradhan due to political decisions. Kharel later returned as IGP after court reinstatement.
-
In Ashoj 2065, Hem Bahadur Gurung served as IGP for 5 months.
-
In Magh 2076, Thakur Gyawali served for around 5 months.
-
Current IGP Deepak Thapa assumed leadership on Chaitra 5 but served only 5 and a half months.
-
Now, IGP Chandra Kuber Khapung will serve 2 months and 9 days.
Short Tenures and Challenges
Short tenures of IGPs create difficulties in setting and implementing long-term plans and goals. Khapung’s leadership, though brief, will be tested in maintaining regular law and order, conducting investigations, ensuring administrative processes, and resisting external pressures.
Published on: 2082 Bhadra 14
Nepal Police