Overview
- Home Minister Sudhan Gurung announced on Tuesday that the government will reopen official files related to the Narayanhiti Palace killings of 2001.
- The announcement did not specify the scope of the action, leaving unclear whether authorities will launch a fresh criminal investigation, conduct a review of the 2001 commission report, set a timeline, or appoint an investigative team.
- The June 1, 2001 shooting at Narayanhiti Palace killed King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and other royals, and a 2001 official commission attributed the attack to Crown Prince Dipendra who died in a coma days later.
- Gurung made the announcement after his recent reappointment to the cabinet, which followed his resignation over allegations of improper assets and ties to a businessman and his subsequent clearance by a government probe committee.
- The file reopening revives longstanding public doubts about the original findings, could affect state ties with the former royal family, and may prompt political debate depending on whether the government pursues a full new inquiry.