KATHMANDU: A high-level inquiry commission led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki has recommended departmental and criminal action against senior officials across Nepal’s security agencies in connection with past security failures.

According to the commission’s report, obtained by Nepal News, top security leaders should face criminal proceedings, while several senior police, Armed Police Force (APF), and National Investigation Department (NID) officers are recommended for departmental action.

Named officials from the Nepal Police include Additional Inspector General Siddhi Bikram Shah, Deputy Inspector General Om Bahadur Rana, then Kathmandu District Police Range chief Bishwa Adhikari, Senior Superintendent Dip Shumsher Rana, and Superintendent Rishiram Kandel.

From the Armed Police Force, recommendations include action against Additional Inspector General Narayan Datta Paudel, Deputy Inspector General Suresh Kumar Shrestha, and Superintendent Jiban KC.

The report is stricter on top leadership, proposing criminal proceedings against then Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung, APF Inspector General Raju Aryal, and NID chief Hut Raj Thapa. Other NID officials facing action include Joint Director Krishna Prasad Khanal and Joint Research Director Riben Kumar Gachhadar.

The commission has suggested disciplinary action against several Nepali army officers include Brigadier General Manoj Baidawar, who was the security commander of President office Shital Niwas; Lieutenant Colonel Diwakar Khadga at the PM’s Residence; Lieutenant Colonel Ganesh Khadga at Singha Durbar; and Major Santosh Dhungel at the International Convention Center. According to the report, these officers are liable under the Army Act’s jurisdiction for failing to secure their respective perimeters.