Nepal to reopen probe into 2001 royal massacre

Nepal's government has announced it will reopen investigations into the 2001 royal massacre that claimed the lives of King Birendra Shah's entire family. Home Minister Sudan Gurung made the announcement shortly after assuming office, signaling a renewed probe into the tragic event.

The 2001 incident, which occurred during a Friday dinner party at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace, saw Crown Prince Dipendra kill his father, mother, brother, sister, and other family members before taking his own life. An official commission had concluded that Dipendra, under the influence of alcohol, was responsible. However, this report was met with widespread skepticism at the time.

Gurung's decision to reopen all previous investigation files indicates a move to address lingering doubts and potentially uncover new details surrounding the massacre. The Home Minister's own return to office followed a period of stepping down due to allegations of financial irregularities, from which he was later cleared by a government-formed committee.

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all previous investigation files related to the incident would be reopened as part of the renewed probe.