Kathmandu, 11 Nov: The government has appointed Dan Bahadur Karki as the Inspector General of Nepal Police (IGP). The decision was made during the Cabinet meeting held on Monday, according to Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel.
This decision will take effect from Kartik 27 (November 12, 2025). Karki, who was considered the top contender for the post, had joined the Nepal Police as an Inspector on Chaitra 18, 2054 BS (April 1, 1998).
The current IGP, Dhiraj Kumar Khapung, will retire on Kartik 26 at midnight as per the 30-year service limit provision in the Police Regulations. The government appointed a new chief in advance to ensure smooth leadership transition. The newly appointed IGP Karki will formally assume command of the Nepal Police on Kartik 27.
Due to the existing 30-year service rule, Karki will lead the Nepal Police for approximately two and a half years, with his tenure expected to last until Chaitra 17, 2084 BS (March 30, 2028).
Within the organization, Karki is known as an honest, professional, and controversy-free officer. Born on Shrawan 15, 2029 BS (July 30, 1972), in Ghamir, Malika Rural Municipality–7, Gulmi, he holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and Bachelor’s degrees in Humanities, Education, and Law.
During his 28-year-long career, Karki has gained experience from both field operations and policy-level responsibilities. His professional journey has been marked by diverse and challenging duties. Before becoming IGP, he served as the Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, notably during the protests of Bhadra 24 (September 9, 2025).
As Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Karki led the Kathmandu District Police Office, where he played a significant role in advancing the investigation of the Bhutanese Refugee Scam, a case that drew nationwide attention. As Deputy Inspector General (DIG), he headed the Lumbini Province Police Office.
Karna Recommended as Provincial Head
Meanwhile, Minister Kharel informed that the Cabinet decided to recommend the removal of Sumitra Subedi Bhandari, the Province Chief of Madhesh Province, and to appoint Surendra Labh Karn as her replacement.
Minister Kharel stated, “Province Chief Bhandari’s recent actions brought disrepute to the province, which led to this decision.” Bhandari was drawn into controversy after she administered the oath of office to Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav in a hotel, leading to her removal recommendation.
Other Cabinet Decisions
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The Cabinet approved holding the 10th National Games in Karnali Province from Falgun 1 to 7 (February 13–19, 2026).
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It also decided to assign additional personnel—four from the civil service and eleven from Nepal Police—to the commission investigating the incidents of Bhadra 23 and 24.
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Approval was granted for Nepal’s participation in the 9th Nepal-India Coordination Meeting, to be held in New Delhi from Kartik 26 to 28 (November 11–13, 2025). The delegation will be led by Armed Police Force Inspector General Raju Aryal.
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The meeting also approved two key policy amendments:
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National Identity Card and Registration (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2082, and
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Land Use (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2082.
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