Nepal Police IGP Thapa under fire for alleged political bias
KATHMANDU: The head of Nepal Police, Inspector General Deepak Thapa, faces serious allegations of political bias following a scathing critique by RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden during a protest rally in Balkhu. Lingden’s claim that Thapa operates as a de facto co-chairman of UML’s Youth Association raises troubling questions about the impartiality of Nepal’s top law enforcement official, casting a shadow over the police force’s credibility at a time of heightened political tension.
The accusations stem from the violent clash in Tinkune on March 15, where pro-monarchy protesters clashed with security forces, resulting in two deaths and numerous injuries. Lingden’s assertion that expired tear gas from 2008 was used during the crackdown—if true—points to gross negligence or mismanagement within the police ranks. Even more damning is his charge that Thapa’s allegiance lies with the ruling UML party rather than the public, suggesting a dangerous erosion of the police’s role as an independent institution.
This is not the first time Nepal Police has been accused of political overreach, but the specificity of Lingden’s allegations—linking Thapa directly to a political youth wing—demands a thorough investigation. If substantiated, it could confirm long-standing fears that the force has been co-opted to serve partisan interests, undermining its duty to uphold law and order impartially. The use of expired munitions, meanwhile, hints at deeper systemic failures, potentially endangering both officers and civilians.
Critics argue that the Nepal Police, under Thapa’s leadership, has struggled to maintain public trust amid rising protests and political polarization. Lingden’s warning that political patrons may not always hold power serves as a stark reminder: the IGP’s tenure should prioritize professionalism over loyalty to any party.
Without swift action—be it an independent probe into these claims or reforms to ensure neutrality—the police risk becoming a tool of the ruling elite rather than a protector of the people. As Nepal navigates this turbulent period, the integrity of its security forces hangs in the balance.
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