Probe commission interrogates APF chief Oli, two others

July 17, 2006
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The high-level judicial commission formed to investigate into the atrocities committed by the erstwhile royal regime during the people’s movement-II interrogated Inspector General of the Armed Police Force (APF), Basu Dev Oli, and two others on Tuesday.

Commission members interrogated the APF chief, assistant education minister of the royal cabinet, Bhuwan Pathak, and then administrator of Bagmati Zone, Dr Shekhar Gurung in connection with their alleged role in suppressing the 19-day long mass uprising against King Gyanendra’s direct rule.

APF IG Oli refused to talk to the media while Pathank denied that the then cabinet had a policy to suppress the movement. Oli was appointed as IG of the APF after the dismissal of then IG Sahabir Thapa.

Pathank claimed that he did not have any role, as a junior minister, in the clampdown on the pro-democracy agitators.

On the contrary, Dr Gurung, who is accused of provoking the King to usurp power, said the then royal administration should take responsibility for the incidents during the movement. He said he was ready to take his share of responsibility for incidents during his tenure as the zonal administrator.

The zonal and regional administration offices were scrapped immediately after the formation of the new seven-party government.

The probe commission headed by former Justice Krishna Jung Rayamajhi has already interrogated some three dozen functionaries of royal regime including then cabinet vice-chairman-duo, Dr. Tulsi Giri and Kriti Nidhi Bista, in connection with suppression in the people’s movement.

At least 21 persons were killed and over 4000 injured during the people’s movement in April this year.