Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has warned that anyone misusing state secret information will face legal action, stating that state secrets are a public responsibility, not private property. This warning follows the suspension of Armed Police Force (APF) Additional Inspector General (AIG) Banshiraj Dahal on Monday, Ashwin 19 (BS), 2083, for allegedly leaking sensitive information and violating professional conduct.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Ashwin 20 (BS), 2083, Home Minister Gurung emphasized that while a position grants access to information, it does not grant the right to misuse it. He stated that he has been observing a long-standing trend of officials and employees within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal’s federal ministry responsible for internal security, and its subordinate bodies leaking confidential or sensitive information to unauthorized individuals or entities.
Gurung asserted that even the smallest piece of information or intelligence can play a decisive role in preventing crime, advancing investigations, or establishing the truth of serious future incidents. He made it clear that anyone who deliberately betrays the confidentiality entrusted by the state, their country, and organization will be brought to justice and will not receive impunity.
AIG Dahal, of the Armed Police Force (APF), a paramilitary force of Nepal, was suspended for allegedly leaking sensitive information. His suspension is currently under investigation.
This is not the first time Home Minister Gurung has addressed information security. On Ashar 9 (BS), 2083 (June 9, 2026), upon assuming the role of Home Minister for the second time, Gurung decided to form a ‘Sensitive Information Vigilance Team (SIVT)’. This team was intended to regularly monitor sensitive information management, the state of information security, and the risks of leakage within the Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies.
Nepal’s Constitution, Article 27, ensures every citizen’s right to demand and receive information on matters of public concern. However, the Right to Information Act, 2064, includes provisions allowing certain information to be kept confidential. The importance of sensitive information was further highlighted by internal security concerns and serious questions about the effectiveness of state and security mechanisms following incidents on Bhadra 23 and 24 (BS), 2082, as reported on October 16, 2025.
Misuse of ‘secret information’ funds in Madhesh Province
According to a report from April 19, 2023, ministers and secretaries in Madhesh Province were found to be drawing Rs 3.6 million annually from state coffers under the pretext of ‘secret information’. The Auditor General’s report has consistently raised questions about this practice, highlighting concerns over the opaque use of public resources.
Despite the Home Minister’s strong warning, the detailed nature of the sensitive information allegedly leaked by AIG Banshiraj Dahal has not been publicly disclosed. It also remains unclear whether Gurung’s statement signals new legislation or a stricter enforcement of existing laws. Furthermore, additional information regarding the progress or performance of the ‘Sensitive Information Vigilance Team (SIVT)’, which was announced on Ashar 9 (BS), 2083, is not yet available.
