Indra Bahadur Sherchan, who served as a deputy inspector general under Lama, remembers his former senior for supporting his idea of community police and helping him realise it. “He not only gave his approval, but he also helped me materialise the idea and conducted thorough study on the situation and modality of the community police suitable for Nepali society,” Sherchan said of Lama.

Lama started his career in Nepal Police in 1951 and went on to become the IGP in 1982. Before his career in the law enforcement agency, Lama was a member of Mukti Sena, an armed outfit of Nepali Congress that had fought for democracy.

While he Lama is credited with giving due importance to institutional growth while in Nepal Police, he was also accused of corruption and favouritism during his career.  A police official requesting anonymity said Lama had promoted favouritism in police force while hiring and promoting officials.   

Lama was constantly charged of being a part of the power centre that included the former royals Dhirendra Shah. He even served five-year jail sentence after being convicted of corruption; later he was given a clean chit by the Supreme Court.

Lama also served as the assistant minister during the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government in 1999/2000. He was also the chair of Association of Former Police Personnel.