The government on Tuesday appointed Thakur Gyawali the new police chief.

Gyawali, who joined the force on July 9, 1990, was one of the three deputy inspectors general—Tarani Lamshal and Surya Upadhyaya were the other two— in the race for the post.

A Cabinet meeting on Monday was supposed to pick the new police chief as the incumbent was to retire the next day. But the decision was deferred until Tuesday, an official at the Home Ministry told the Post.

Gyawali, who was the chief of Province 1 police, will take charge as the 27th Inspector General of Police. He succeeds Sarbendra Khanal, who retired on Tuesday after completing 30 years of service. Two additional inspectors general and 19 deputy inspectors general who joined Nepal police alongside Khanal 30 years ago have also retired.

“As all additional inspectors general retired along with Khanal, Gyawali was picked as the new police chief. He was the senior most officer in the race,” said the official. “Tarini Prasad Lamsal and Surya Upadhyay were equally qualified for the job, but the government picked Gyawali on the basis of seniority.”

Gyawali will remain in office until July 8 when he too will complete his 30 years in the force.