Dhading CDO, police chief removed for delay in rescue works

KATHMANDU: The Chief District Officer (CDO) and police chief have been removed from their positions amid allegations of unsatisfactory performance during natural disasters in the district triggered by incessant rain.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recalled CDO Rajendra Pandey on Sunday, while Superintendent of Police Gautam KC was summoned to the police headquarters on Monday.

The ministry has named Suman Ghimire as the new CDO of Dhading, while SP Dipendra Shahi has been given the responsibility of Dhading’s police chief.

A total of 35 passengers lost their lives in a landslide at Jhyaple Khola in Dhading, a major entry point to Kathmandu. Although vehicle movement was halted on Friday due to the landslide, search and rescue operations only began on Saturday evening.

Rescue workers pulled 14 bodies buried with vehicles on Saturday evening, while an additional 21 bodies were recovered on Sunday.