Apr 17, Kathmandu - The District Police Range, Kathmandu, has made public its challenges, priorities and performance to date to make public security, crime control and investigation processes effective. According to the police, special initiatives are being taken to make service delivery fast, transparent and effective amid the increasing nature of crime, misuse of technology and pressure of public expectations.

The challenge of reducing response time

The police have stated that reducing the ‘police response time’ is their main challenge. Efforts are being made to further strengthen surveillance through vehicle mobilization, traffic jams (up to 3 minutes) and road junctions, bits and pickets.

Expansion of services without physical presence

The police have set a goal to complete the investigation process without physical presence through the use of technology. Preparations are being made to complete tasks such as complaint registration, statements, identification (people and goods) and recovery of stolen items through digital means.

Growing risk of cybercrime

The police have concluded that fraud, misinformation, cyberbullying and activities that affect mental health are increasing rapidly. To control this, technology-friendly research and public awareness programs have been given priority.

Police priorities

The police have emphasized training, behavioral improvement, and regular briefings to maintain professional standards. Priority has been given to crime prevention through transparency, impartiality, immediate response, and community policing partnerships. It is also stated that evidence-based investigations will be made more effective.

Public Security Management

The police have made public data showing that 1,150 to 1,180 people are questioned in public places, 215 to 220 vehicle checks are conducted, and an average of 500 police officers are deployed in Kathmandu daily. Additional security arrangements have been tightened during sensitive times such as elections.

Investigation into the Bhadra 23-24 incident

The police have stated that 49 people died in the incident that took place in Kathmandu on Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082. The bodies of 7 of them are yet to be identified and DNA testing is in the process. 42 murder cases have been registered and are being investigated.

Although some complaints related to the incident were kept under investigation, one complaint has been removed from the investigation and the investigation has been taken forward. In this process, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were also arrested and investigated. They are currently on bail as per the order of the Supreme Court.

Coordination in the control of gender violence

A network has been formed with the participation of local levels, human rights activists, district bar, metropolitan city, police and other bodies to control gender violence. Discussions and interactions have been held monthly.

Status of crime and action

Since Ashwin 2082, 5566 cases have been registered and 4279 people have been arrested. The police have stated that an average of 50-60 complaints are registered daily.

In the arms-related action, 181 weapons have been recovered and 51 people have been arrested. Of the escaped prisoners, 162 prisoners and 90 detainees have been arrested and filed.

Movement management

Various movements including 430 sit-ins, 165 protest marches, 41 corner meetings have been managed peacefully. In this process, 261 protesters have been arrested. The police have stated that there were no human casualties and security arrangements have been made.

Economic Crime and Drug Control

Six cases related to hundi and money laundering have been registered and 10 people have been arrested, out of which Rs 26.3 million have been recovered. Fifteen people have been arrested in four cases related to money laundering.

338 cases related to narcotics have been registered and 460 people have been arrested. Various types of narcotics—Nurphine 3761, Nitrazepam 3776, and others—have been seized in large quantities.

According to Kathmandu Police, work is being done by focusing on modern technology, community partnerships, and effective investigation to address increasing crime, technological challenges, and public expectations. The goal of the police is—fast service, fair investigation, and a safe society.