Deepak Thapa has been appointed as the 31st Inspector General of Nepal Police. The government made the decision on Monday evening during a Cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, confirmed the appointment.
Thapa Replaces Basant Kunwar as IGP
Thapa takes over after Basant Kunwar’s compulsory retirement. He was selected over two other candidates—AIG Tek Bahadur Tamang and AIG Sudip Giri. Until his promotion, Thapa led the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), which handles high-profile criminal cases.
- AIG Tek Bahadur Tamang leads the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Rani Pokhari.
- AIG Sudip Giri heads the National Police Training Academy, Maharajgunj.
How Was Thapa Selected?
Nepal’s Police Regulations (2012) allow the government to pick any qualified candidate for the IGP role. This often leads to intense lobbying. All three candidates sought political backing, but Thapa ranked first and secured the appointment.
Who is Deepak Thapa?
Deepak Thapa is from Sipadol, Bhaktapur. Before joining Nepal Police, he worked as a schoolteacher. He passed the police entrance exam in 1993 but was not selected immediately. In 1995, he finally joined the force.
Thapa’s Career Highlights
Over 30 years, Thapa has worked in various leadership roles across Nepal:
- Led Area Police Offices in Sanga, Butwal, and Garuda (Rautahat).
- Headed the Police Circle in Maharajgunj.
- Commanded District Police Offices in Rukum, Khotang, Sunsari, Morang, Makwanpur, and Chitwan.
- Worked at the Butwal Training Centre and Police Training Academy in Maharajgunj.
- Led Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office as an SSP.
- Served as DIG of Bagmati Province Police.
- Managed the Directorate of Administration and other administrative units.
- Led offices under the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in Surkhet and Butwal.
How Long Will He Serve?
Under current rules, Thapa will retire in six months after completing 30 years of service. However, if Parliament approves the proposed Nepal Police Bill, he could get a six-month extension.
Other Key Appointments
The Cabinet also appointed Dinesh Bhatta as the new CEO of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). He replaces Anil Pokhrel, whose four-year term ended. Bhatta’s leadership will focus on improving disaster preparedness and response.
