Kathmandu: Tensions are running high within the police headquarters and its subordinate agencies following a move by the Home Ministry to transfer Additional Inspector General (AIG) Shyamlal Gyawali, Chief of the Valley Police Office, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manoj KC, Chief of the Valley Crime Investigation Office. The proposed transfers have sparked a commotion due to their timing and potential repercussions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha's directive to arrest Dr. Sunil Sharma, a medical professional and MP, under the influence of the ruling parties, caused a stir in the police community. The Nepali Congress, a prominent party in the ruling coalition, expressed its discontent over the incident.

Interestingly, Home Minister Shrestha had pledged to Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba that he would release the Congress MPs and carry out the transfer of the aforementioned police officials. Despite the commitment, the minister's intention became public knowledge, complicating the transfer process. Nevertheless, the ministry aimed to proceed with the proposed transfers.

Both Gyawali and KC were actively involved in investigating a case related to fake Bhutanese refugees. However, under pressure from Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and other ruling parties, the police headquarters seemed poised to initiate their transfer.

Amid the potential transfers, Tek Prasad Rai's reluctance to move played a role in stalling the process. Congress President Deuba persistently pressured Prime Minister Prachanda for the transfer of these officers. The mounting pressure led Home Minister Shrestha to consider altering their positions.

In an unexpected twist, Shrestha himself revealed the proposed transfers through a journalist close to him after discussing them with Deuba.

The transfer of AIGP requires approval from the Cabinet meeting. During the Tuesday Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Prachanda instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to table a proposal for AIGP transfer. However, due to a lack of proposal from the police headquarters, the matter was postponed.

Inspector General Basanta Bahadur Kunwar had planned to transfer Gyawali from the Valley Police Office to the National Police Training Institute. The plan involved replacing Gyawali with Deepak Thapa, AIG of the Administration Department. However, AIG Tekprasad Rai expressed his opposition, which led to complications in the transfer process.

Sources suggest that Rai's reluctance is rooted in his close ties with Home Minister Shrestha. As Rai does not share a favorable relationship with Gyawali, Inspector General Kunwar hesitates to entrust Gyawali with a significant department within the police headquarters.

In the backdrop of the refugee case, Gyawali's decision to arrest former Home Minister Balkrishna Khand without notifying Inspector General Kunwar strained their relationship. Despite being relatives, their association soured during the course of the investigation.

On a separate note, SSP KC from the Valley Crime Investigation Office made significant strides in the pending refugee case. KC strategically apprehended three suspects, revealing connections to high-profile individuals. The investigation uncovered allegations involving the then Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal''s security advisor, Indrajit Rai, and Home Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey.

KC's handling of the case led to arrests of prominent figures, such as former Home Minister Khan and UML MP Top Bahadur Rayamazhi. The ongoing investigation into organized crime connected to the fake Bhutanese refugees involves a growing number of complainants.

In the midst of these developments, the police community grapples with uncertainties surrounding the proposed transfers and their broader implications.