Inspector General of Police Upendra Kanta Aryal has dismissed recent media reports about his possible ouster as the head of Nepal Police as premeditated and designed to weaken and demoralise the institution.

Addressing the 11th Metropolitan Police Day on Wednesday, IGP Aryal said officials need to raise above individual interest. “I urge all not to get disheartened by such rumours. We work for an institution that has a proud history,” he said. 

He also expressed concern over the growing misuse of social media. IGP Aryal was referring to news reports that suggested his possible removal—before his retirement date in mid-February—through the introduction of a new regulation.

Reports of IGP Aryal’s possible sacking came close on the heels of his reservations on Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi’s decisions, including a proposal on giving amnesty to individuals involved in Tikapur carnage. Eight policemen, including an SSP were killed in the incident. There were also reports that Nidhi had tried to transfer two district police chiefs—SP Raj Babu Shrestha of Parsa and SP Shyam Gyawali of Siraha—after they defied the minister’s orders and arrested persons close to him. The police officials were recalled to the police headquarters. Following widespread criticisms, the duo was allowed to resume duty in their respective districts.