Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ramesh Kharel has criticized the state machinery for its helplessness following an attack on an Armed Police Nepal (APF) team in an illegal warehouse raid in Birgunj, Parsa.
On Monday, a joint team from the customs office and the armed police attempted to raid a warehouse in Adarshanagar based on information about smuggled goods. They were met with resistance from a group of local traders and smugglers. The violent clash left three armed police personnel injured and damaged two police vehicles.
Kharel stated that the government and security presence exists “on paper only.” He pointed out that the assault on a state security force at a known smuggler’s hub demonstrates the power of illegal gangs. The situation, according to him, leaves ordinary citizens with little sense of security.
He alleged that cross-border smuggling has been treated as a business, with criminals operating confidently under political protection. Years of impunity and political shielding have made state authorities hesitant to act against offenders. Kharel warned that if strict action is not taken against those attacking security personnel, the lives of journalists, traders, and ordinary citizens could be at greater risk in the future.
Meanwhile, the District Police Office has arrested four individuals involved in the attack. While the police said investigations are ongoing, Kharel emphasized that formal statements and personnel transfers alone are insufficient, urging the government to break the web of political protection.
He also called for clear orders and adequate resources for security forces at the border to effectively uphold the rule of law.
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