The Home Ministry on Sunday conferred the insignia on newly appointed Armed Police Force acting chief Durja Kumar Rai.

Home Secretary Narayan Gopal Malego decorated Rai amid a function at the ministry. After taking charge of the paramilitary force, Rai said he would initiate plans to modernise the APF and make it a professional body.

Rai was elevated after a Cabinet meeting on Friday night suspended APF chief Kosh Raj Onta for his alleged involvement in corruption. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority had, on Thursday, recommended his suspension.

Born in Bhojpur, Rai joined Nepal Police as an Inspector in February, 1987. He was shifted to the Armed Police Force as a Superintendent in 2001. Rai was accused of suppressing the 2006 people’s movement.