Resignation of DIG Arjun Chand Rejected

, the Nepal Police has declined to accept the resignation of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Arjun Chand, who serves as the chief of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Security Office. The rejection came in response to Chand’s submission of his resignation on Friday, citing personal reasons.

The Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, disclosed that the resignation was rejected as it did not adhere to the prescribed format. Additional Inspector General (AIG) Deepak Thapa, the head of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, clarified, “Since the resignation was not in the prescribed format, it was rejected.”

Sources within the police force revealed that DIG Chand had expressed dissatisfaction with the recommendations of a probe committee formed after a clash between police personnel and an immigration officer at TIA on January 26. The committee implicated police personnel and suggested taking action against them.

Contrary to reports, Chand had initially informed the media that he was stepping down for personal reasons. The probe committee’s findings stemmed from a leaked CCTV footage from January 26, showing immigration officer Chhaya Lal Moktan resisting cooperation with the police during a security check. The situation escalated, leading to Moktan kicking security personnel, prompting police retaliation.

The committee recommended the suspension of Assistant Sub-Inspector Sanjaya Tamang and proposed departmental action against two constables. Additionally, it advised cautioning a Deputy Superintendent of Police. Chand, however, believed that the police personnel, who insisted on the immigration officer undergoing a security check, should have been rewarded instead.

Friends close to DIG Chand revealed that he conveyed his disappointment to them, expressing the belief that the police personnel under him deserved support from the police leadership. Sources suggest that Chand decided to resign on moral grounds, considering the disciplinary actions faced by the police personnel under his command.

DIG Chand and the current police chief, IG Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, share the same batch and have a long-standing professional relationship. Chand’s term is set to expire in mid-March next year, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation within the Nepal Police hierarchy.