On Friday night alone, around 150 people were arrested from various places in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Police has intensified surveillance and action to strengthen public security. Kantipur's Bivek Pokharel spoke to SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai , spokesperson of the District Police Range, Kathmandu, about the security situation in Kathmandu, police activity and detention management: Many people were arrested in Kathmandu yesterday evening. How many people were arrested from where?

We have been identifying sensitive places on a daily basis with the aim of strengthening security in public places. Regular surveillance and patrols are conducted in such areas. Where there is a situation of hooliganism, snatching or harassment of the general public, action is taken by focusing on that area. Our main objective is to provide a safe environment to the citizens. Such work is being carried out on a daily basis as per the plan.

Yesterday evening alone, we have taken 144 people into custody from various places in Kathmandu. Of these, 7 are involved in hooliganism. Usually, Kathmandu Police keeps around 1150 people under interrogation every day. In addition, around 220 to 225 vehicles, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers, are under investigation. After interrogation and investigation, an average of 130-135 people are kept under hold, from which, based on preliminary investigation and complaints, around 10-15 people are taken into custody every day as per the prevailing law.

Are the people arrested yesterday old criminals or first-time offenders?

Some of the arrested people have been involved in such activities repeatedly, while some have been harassing and harassing the general public based on a specific geographical area.

Are you saying that they will also be charged weekly?

Hooliganism refers to illegal activities in various ways (such as extorting money, interfering in business, or creating pressure). Such activities not only frustrate the constitutional rights of citizens but also directly affect public security. Some of the arrested individuals have been found to be involved in activities such as taking money to cause trouble, interfering in business under the influence of a group, and posing as ‘facilitators’ to commit illegal acts. Overall, action has been taken against those involved in acts that interfere with the rights of the general public and disrupt public security by taking the prevailing law into their own hands.

The former Prime Minister and former Home Minister are currently in custody. Many other individuals have been drawn into investigation. Some detention cells were damaged during the Gen-G movement. What is the capacity of detention in Kathmandu?

There is a system in Kathmandu district where crimes are registered from 15 locations and investigations are conducted from there. The District Police Complex Kathmandu is a main unit, while 14 police circles operate detention cells. Currently, four detention cells, including Gaushala, Baneshwor, Circle and Janasewa, are under construction after being damaged in the Gen-G protests. Eleven other circles are managing custody. The District Police Complex has a large-capacity detention cell. Overall, the Kathmandu Police has the capacity to detain and investigate up to 2,000 people. Currently, an average of about 1,000 people are in custody.

Will there be any problems in management if the number increases?

The ratio of the ‘in-out’ process of detaining and releasing people is being managed. Even if the number increases, it is managed in a balanced manner. In addition, detention is being managed keeping in mind human rights standards and basic infrastructure.

The police have shown more activity in recent times. Is this related to the work of the new government? How much pressure do you feel from the Ministry of Home Affairs?

The Constitution, Police Act and other prevailing laws have given the police the responsibility of maintaining peace and security, preventing and controlling crime. This is also the priority of the government and the expectation of the people. Therefore, our activism is in line with our regular obligations.

The government also has a policy of continuously focusing on these tasks. Our work is being conducted accordingly. We have become active according to the common objective that the general public should be able to enjoy their fundamental rights in a safe environment. In this process, necessary coordination, direction and mobilization are being done by the concerned bodies and taluk offices.