Nepal

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has set up a committee to look into a female police officer's allegations of severe abuse and vexation against Rajunath Pandey, the head of the city police department.  

The three-member committee is led by the chief of the Social Development Department, Gopal Prasad Pokharel. Sumitra Lamichhane of the Justice Administration Department and Sarita Kumari Rai, deputy director of the Urban Planning Commission under the metropolis, are other members of the panel. 

KMC spokesperson Nabin Manandhar said: “The committee was formed on December 23, and it will submit its report within 15 days. The KMC will take action as per the committee’s report.”

Police constable Ganga Upreti had lodged a complaint with the KMC administration, alleging that Pandey misbehaved with her when she resumed her duty after maternity leave. 

In her complaint, Upreti accused Pandey of hurling profanities at her while “they were alone." 

According to Upreti, she needed to rest after giving birth because she had a C-section. She also asked to be transferred so that she could breastfeed her baby.

When the new mother asked the KMC police chief to ease her workload, he told her to quit. 

“He reprimanded and verbally abused me for requesting assistance and support,” Upreti wrote in her complaint.

The KMC had previously requested clarification from Pandey, but later formed the committee and asked it to submit a report after an investigation.