Audio alleges extortion in DIG’s name, SP Kunwar hospitalized

JANAKPUR, April 22: An internal dispute within the Madhes Province Police has escalated after an audio recording surfaced alleging that money was extorted from businessmen in the name of a senior officer.

The controversy centers on Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Govinda Thapaliya, chief of the provincial police, whose name is reportedly invoked in the audio. The recording has intensified internal rifts and strained relations between the Provincial Police Office and the District Police Office in Dhanusha.

Amid the fallout, Dhanusha Police Chief Rugam Kunwar has been admitted to hospital, reportedly due to stress and pressure linked to the dispute. A senior sub-inspector heard in the audio has also been recommended for suspension.

According to police sources, the leaked phone conversation involves Senior Sub-Inspector Sagar Samsher Rana and businessman Rajiv Mahaseth. In the recording, Mahaseth claims that money was collected from various traders and handed over to the provincial police leadership through “roving” police personnel.

Allegations of large-scale financial dealings to facilitate smuggling operations under the protection of police intermediaries had circulated for some time. The newly surfaced audio has added weight to those claims. In the conversation, Rana appears to acknowledge that money was collected in the DIG’s name through such intermediaries.

The dispute has also exposed disagreements between district and provincial police over financial dealings and the mobilization of these “roving” officers. SP Kunwar had reportedly taken a firm stance, insisting that any wrongdoing by officers under his command would be dealt with at the district level.

That stance appears to have backfired. After tensions rose over what Kunwar described as undue interference in his command and jurisdiction, the provincial office sought clarifications from him for a second time, citing various allegations.

Kunwar, who had maintained a clean professional record over 22 years of service, fell ill on Monday morning amid mounting mental pressure. He was admitted to Arya Hospital in Janakpur after his blood pressure reportedly spiked to 148/100.

In recent weeks, Kunwar had personally led operations that seized smuggled goods worth nearly Rs 10 million. However, police sources claim that pressure was exerted on him through a provincial-level intermediary, Sub-Inspector Jayalal Yadav, allegedly to ease enforcement actions.

The roots of the dispute trace back to an incident on March 14, when a consignment of disputed goods linked to customs violations was seized by Senior Sub-Inspector Gopal Thapa Magar. Following the incident, accusations emerged that DIG Thapaliya attempted to shield close associates, including Yadav and Magar.

Tensions deepened after provincial authorities reportedly ordered the transfer of personnel not directly involved in the case to the district, without coordinating with the Dhanusha police leadership. The move triggered further friction between the two offices.

Sources say the involvement of officers considered close to the DIG has pushed relations between provincial and district police to a breaking point. Within police circles, there is also talk that Magar had been posted to Madhes with backing from a high-ranking official’s family.

Similarly, Yadav, whose official posting is in disaster management at the Parsa District Police Office in Birgunj, has been accused of operating in Siraha and surrounding areas, allegedly engaging in extortion activities under the protection of powerful connections.

Following the release of the audio, the Madhes Province Police Office in Janakpur has taken action, recommending the suspension of Rana to police headquarters. The move comes as attempts were reportedly underway to “settle” matters with traders through Mahaseth before the recording became public.

In the audio, Rana claims he is being framed and denies any collusion with businessmen. He has said he is ready to face any action if proven guilty and maintains that he is under mental stress after being implicated in an incident he insists he had no role in.

Despite this, the initiation of departmental action against him has further inflamed tensions within the organization.

DIG denies involvement

Responding to the controversy, DIG Govinda Thapaliya has denied any involvement in the alleged extortion scheme.

Questioning the authenticity of the recording, he said he had no knowledge of how or by whom the audio was produced. “We will take action against whoever is responsible,” he said, claiming the recording was made public with the intent to defame him.