Fresh royal massacre probe hits roadblock before it begins

Nepal's government faces a roadblock in its announced intention to reinvestigate the country's 25-year-old royal massacre. The Home Ministry's plan to reopen the inquiry has stalled due to indecision on the investigation's structure.

Home Minister Sudan Gurung, upon resuming office, declared a fresh investigation. However, the government has yet to determine if Nepal Police should lead the probe or if a separate commission is more appropriate. This uncertainty has paralyzed the process.

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Home Ministry cannot disclose sensitive information. The Home Ministry is not really a place for providing sensitive information; some things can only be discussed at the surface level.

Discussions with police officials revealed that a commission led by a former chief justice had already investigated the incident. Police advised that a Cabinet-level decision would be more suitable, as simply forming another committee might not yield conclusive results. "Since a judicial inquiry commission had already investigated the incident and submitted a report, the police view was that simply forming another committee would not necessarily lead to a conclusion," a senior home ministry official stated.

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Since a judicial inquiry commission had already investigated the incident and submitted a report, the police view was that simply forming another committee would not necessarily lead to a conclusion.

Further complicating matters, investigators identified significant scientific challenges. The absence of crucial evidence, such as crime scene records, postmortem reports, and ballistic examinations, makes a thorough investigation difficult. "Police investigations are conducted with the purpose of prosecution. What matters is whether facts and evidence can support a case in court," an official familiar with the police briefing explained. "Based on the evidence currently available, it appears difficult."

Home Minister Gurung declined to comment on the investigation's progress, stating, "Home Ministry cannot disclose sensitive information." Officials from specialized crime investigation units confirmed that no investigation has commenced.

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Police investigations are conducted with the purpose of prosecution. What matters is whether facts and evidence can support a case in court. Based on the evidence currently available, it appears difficult.