Pradip Sumsher Rana has taken over as the country's new police chief. He was formally handed over the insignia of office on 13 October by out-going Inspector General of Police Achyut Krishna Kharel. Kharel had gone on an extended two-month leave on 3 October-five months before he was due to retire-in the aftermath of the Maoist massacre of 14 policemen in Dolpo late last month.
New IGP Rana (53) has outlined four priorities: to modernise and train the police force, improve work habits, control corruption and end favouritism. He has also promised to ensure that the police do not violate human rights and there is "better co-ordination" between the work of the army and the police.