Banshiraj Dahal, an additional inspector general of the Armed Police Force, has been suspended over allegations of leaking sensitive security-related information and violating official conduct.

According to Home Ministry spokesperson Ananda Kafle, Dahal was suspended after the Armed Police Force recommended disciplinary action against him.

A ministry statement signed by Kafle said a committee had been formed to investigate the allegations and submit its findings to the ministry within three days.

The ministry has not disclosed what information Dahal is accused of leaking.

However, a senior Armed Police Force official said Dahal was accused of visiting former chief justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana without permission on the morning of September 27.

Rana had been taken from his home to a police office around midnight by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, which cited a security threat to the former chief justice.

Senior Armed Police Force officials said Dahal, who is also a 'relative' of Rana, subsequently went to the police office to meet him.

The suspension comes just days after the Armed Police Force headquarters recommended extending Dahal’s tenure. He was due to complete his four-year term and retire on October 13.

Under the Armed Police Force Regulations 2015, the government can extend the tenure of additional inspector generals and deputy inspector generals by one year after they complete four years in office, on the recommendation of the inspector general of the Armed Police Force. Such extensions have routinely been granted to most AIGs and DIGs.

If Dahal’s tenure is not extended, he will retire as scheduled. His departure would leave an AIG position vacant, with senior DIGs expected to compete for the post.