Kathmandu – Additional Inspector General (AIG) Dr. Manoj Kumar KC, known for his fearless and results-driven policing style, has intensified action against ‘high-profile’ criminals after assuming leadership of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). He has begun bringing individuals long protected by political power and influence under the purview of law.

AIG KC took charge as CIB Chief on Ashoj 5 and immediately started reopening long-pending case files. He previously gained national attention for pursuing those involved in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, a move that led to his transfer at the time due to the sensitivity of the investigation.

KC is widely recognized within Nepal Police as an officer who “speaks less and delivers results.” Recently, under his command, CIB has arrested Devi Prakash Bhattachan, former chairman of Prabhu Group and Prabhu Bank, and Lekh Bahadur Karki, former joint secretary involved in the Nepal Trust Office case. Similarly, in connection with the Bhutanese refugee fraud, KC has apprehended Niranjan Kumar Kharel, also known as Nirajan, for his role in managing transactions involving cash and cheques.

Bhattachan—who for years operated beyond investigative scrutiny due to political backing—has now been arrested and placed in 15-day custody by the CIB. A close associate of the CPN-UML and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Bhattachan previously enjoyed protection under the former government. With the current political environment changing, investigators believe the process will now move more smoothly. Bhattachan has since been released after completing the required inquiry.

KC’s fearless reputation extends back to his tenure as Chief of Kathmandu Police Circle, where he arrested former minister Bal Krishna Khand in connection with the Bhutanese refugee case. He, along with three fellow officers, detained Khand directly from his residence before informing higher authorities. KC also arrested Bechan Jha while then-Home Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal and IGP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar were out of the country.

After becoming CIB Chief, KC’s assertive approach continued as he arrested former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara in the gold smuggling case. On November 11, he also arrested Bhattachan, further reinforcing his image as an unflinching police officer committed to bringing influential suspects within the reach of the law.