19th September 2025, Kathmandu
The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramesh Thapa as the new chief of the Kathmandu District Police Office.
SSP Appointed as Police Chief
The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramesh Thapa as the new chief of the Kathmandu District Police Office. This appointment is part of a regular personnel rotation aimed at strengthening law enforcement in the capital. SSP Bishwa Raj Adhikari, who previously held the position, has been recalled to the Nepal Police Headquarters in Naxal.
Ramesh Thapa’s Career and Qualifications
SSP Ramesh Thapa is widely regarded as a disciplined and capable officer with extensive experience in various capacities within the Nepal Police. Before his new role, he served as the Deputy Spokesperson at the Nepal Police Headquarters. In that role, he was responsible for communicating the Nepal Police’s activities to the public and the media in a factual and transparent manner. His background in public relations and his reputation for integrity and professionalism are likely key factors in his selection for this crucial leadership role in the nation’s capital.
The Kathmandu District Police Office is one of the most important and high-profile law enforcement commands in Nepal, given its responsibility for maintaining law and order in the country’s most populous and politically significant city. The chief of this office must not only be a skilled law enforcement officer but also a capable administrator and public communicator. Thapa’s experience as a spokesperson suggests he is well-equipped to handle the public scrutiny and media attention that come with the job.
The Context of the Leadership Change
The transfer of SSP Bishwa Rraj Adhikari from the Kathmandu District Police Office to the Nepal Police Headquarters is more than just a routine rotation. It comes in the wake of significant public scrutiny and criticism regarding the police’s handling of the “Gen Z” movement protests that have recently shaken the capital. The police’s response to the demonstrations, which included the use of force and a reported death toll of 74 nationwide, drew widespread condemnation. SSP Adhikari was specifically accused of using excessive force and of being negligent in his security strategy during the protests.
The Ministry’s decision to reassign him to the central headquarters, and to place a highly-regarded and media-savvy officer like Thapa in charge, can be seen as a strategic move to restore public confidence in the police force. The government is attempting to signal that it is taking the public’s concerns seriously and is committed to a more measured and effective approach to law enforcement in the future.
The rotation of police personnel, particularly in key positions, is a standard practice within the Nepal Police. The Human Resources Management Department at the Nepal Police Headquarters frequently transfers officers to different roles and locations to ensure officers gain diverse experience and to prevent the entrenchment of individuals in powerful positions. This practice is part of the police’s broader strategy for professional development and governance. However, the timing of this particular transfer, and the specific officers involved, suggests that it is not just a routine administrative action but a direct response to recent events and the ensuing public pressure for accountability.
This leadership change is part of a larger government effort to address the fallout from the “Gen Z” movement, which has also included calls for inquiries into the police’s actions and a broader anti-corruption drive. The appointment of SSP Thapa, with his reputation for professionalism and his experience in public communication, is a clear indication that the government is seeking to project a more responsive and accountable image for the police force in Kathmandu.
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