KATHMANDU, June 20: The controversy surrounding transfers of the high-ranking police officers took a new turn after the Ministry of Home Affairs formally said the transfers were made as per an understanding reached with the constitutional election body.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said it forwarded the proposal for the transfer of 24 high-ranking police officers to the cabinet after the commission assured (verbally) to the ministry that it would send a formal decision permitting the transfers later.
The ministry issued the statement after the Election Commission directed the government on Tuesday to cancel the transfers, arguing that the decision violated the election code of conduct.
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Neel Kanth Upreti has challenged the ministry to come up with evidence to support its claim that the commission agreed to support the transfers.
"We had given permission only for filling the vacant posts and making regular promotions in the police. We never consented on the transfers," said Uprety, in response to the Home Ministry´s letter.
Commissioner Ayodhi Prasad Yadav, who heads the committee that monitors enforcement of the election codes, said that the constitutional body works as per existing laws and believes only on written documents.
"We cannot give any verbal permission. We would give such permissions only in writing. So if the ministry is saying we gave verbal consent, it should produce the evidence," said Yadav.
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