Tensions escalated at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office on Wednesday as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Saroj Guragain was prevented from resuming duty, with Mayor Balendra Shah deploying municipal police to block him from entering his office.

Employees attempted to break the lock on Guragain’s office chamber to escort him inside, damaging a CCTV camera.

Despite managing to take him inside the premises, they could not ensure his formal return to duty as the chamber remained locked under the mayor’s directive.

Guragain has been on leave since December 23. The dispute stems from allegations that he bypassed due process while approving the construction plan for Kathmandu Tower at the Old Bus Park area. The KMC formed a probe panel to investigate his decisions.

Over 4,000 municipal employees have not received salaries for three months due to the ongoing conflict between the federal government and the city office.

On March 5, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration instructed KMC to facilitate Guragain’s return to duty following complaints that he was being obstructed.

However, Mayor Shah refused, arguing that the metropolis could not allow him to work while allegations of irregularities against him were under investigation.