KATHMANDU, April 11: The investigation into the fire incident at the central store of the Armed Police Force (APF) in Balambu, which occurred on April 8, has begun with the formation of an internal committee.

Following the fire, a 9-member investigation committee led by Additional Inspector General of Armed Police Banshi Raj Dahal, head of the Operation Department, was formed. Since Tuesday morning, the committee has sealed the site of the incident, and a new security team has been assigned to oversee the area.

In addition to this, the task of collecting the details of the goods damaged by fire has also been carried out rapidly, while the goods that can be used have been separated, sealed and kept at a safe place. The committee is studying all the original records in the Store Division and collecting the details of remaining items and assessing the extent of damage incurred.

In addition to this, seven individuals, including the Deputy Superintendent of Armed Police stationed at the Store Division, have been interrogated to find out about the details and condition of the stored goods. 

Additionally, 11 individuals from the Armed Police Force, Nepal, 9 Pashupatinath Brigade, responsible for security, and two individuals from the security team of Nepal APF Hospital stationed at the main gate, including the Armed Police Deputy Superintendent on duty that day, have been summoned to headquarters and interrogated.

The committee is also scrutinizing the CCTV footage of the central store. In that footage, it is seen that a small amount of smoke initially emanated from a room within the building, and within a few seconds, a large explosion occurred and the security personnel in the unit immediately reached the scene. Due to the fire, the free scale goods and the disaster rescue supplies were also burnt and destroyed.

The main store of the Armed Police Force has been located in Halchowk for several years, serving as a branch store in Balambu. Some essential items were stored there, including free-scale goods, whose distribution process had not been completed. Amid preparations underway to send these items to the subordinate offices, a sudden fire broke out, resulting in the destruction of the goods.

 
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