KATHMANDU: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Nepal Police Bishwaraj Pokharel has been recommended for promotion to the post of Additional Inspector General (AIG) of the Nepal Police.
The promotion committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday recommended the government to promote DIG Pokharel to the post of the AIG.
DIG Pokharel’s promotion to the AIG will pave the way for him to become the upcoming IGP, according to police sources. He was recommended for the promotion to the post of AIG based on seniority.
The committee led by Home Secretary Maheswor Neupane includes Nepal Police IG Shailesh Thapa Kshetri and a secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers as members.
Pokharel was the sole SSP among his batchmates who was elevated to the post of DIG. All of his batchmates in the police force who were later promoted DIGs are still serving in the same post.
DIG Pokharel is currently working as the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Office in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu.
Earlier last month, the government had decided to add one new post of AIG and five DIGs in the Nepal Police. Many have interpreted the decision to add the post of AIG as a move to ensure DIG Pokharel’s appointment as the upcoming IGP.
After being promoted to AIG, he will remain as the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Office in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu.
Though Pokharel was in the race to become the AIG last time, the current IGP’s stance to not breach the seniority basis blocked him from being promoted at that time.
DIG Pokharel is considered to be a professional officer in the police force. While he seeks publicity, he has not attracted any controversy so far, according to a senior police officer.
As all three current AIGs— Hari Pal, Pradhumna Karki and Niraj Shahi—will have to retire from the police force in May 2022 along with the IGP IGP Kshetri, Pokharel is set to succeed him. Pokharel will then serve as the IGP for one year after becoming AIG for a year and a half. If the current provision on retirement requiring a police officer to retire after 30 years in service is scrapped, he will get an opportunity to serve as the IGP for a longer period.
