Kathmandu, Jan 10: Tensions have escalated within the Kathmandu Metropolitan Municipality as Mayor Balen Shah locked the office of Chief Administrative Officer Basant Adhikari. The move comes amidst a dispute between the Mayor and the Chief Administrative Officer regarding the appointment of personnel to the Health Department of Mahanagarpalika.

The disagreement resulted in the suspension of Nurnidhi Neupane, the Head of Mayor Shah’s Secretariat, Ram Prasad Poudel, Head of the Health Department, and Senior Branch Officer Bhagwati Vidari. Sources within the Metropolitan Municipality suggest that Mayor Shah had initially instructed officers not to report to the office starting Monday.

The latest development unfolded as the Chief Administrative Officer, who had been on leave, was preparing to return to the office. Upon learning of his imminent return, Mayor Shah locked the door to the office. Additionally, there are reports of preparations to appoint another Chief Administrative Officer in the coming days.

The National Assembly House, where the dispute has unfolded, houses offices for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chief Administrative Officer. Further developments in this matter are expected, and staying informed through reliable news sources is crucial for the latest updates.