The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Amid growing public concern and calls from the bereaved family for an independent investigation into a recent custodial death in Thimphu involving 33-year-old Biren Kumar Kafley, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has said that the case is currently under investigation by the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) and that the government will decide on further action after the inquiry report is submitted.
During the 23rd Meet-the-Press session on 31st December 2025, Karma Dorji, Chief of Department of Law and Order under the MoHA said that an RBP inquiry committee constituting of a five member team is conducting a thorough investigation.
The question at the session by The Bhutanese sought clarification on what measures the Ministry has put in place to ensure transparency and impartiality, and whether it was considering the involvement of an external or independent investigative body to uphold public trust and accountability.
The MoHA official said the Ministry does not see the need to interfere at this stage.
He said that the ministry will await the inquiry report and assess the outcome before deciding on the next course of action.
Referring to the incident, he said it is “very unfortunate” and “deeply concerning” for the Ministry. He conveyed the government’s condolences, stating that the Ministry shares the pain of the bereaved family.
At the same time, he expressed concern over the broader impact of the incident on public confidence in law enforcement.
He noted that discussions and narratives circulating on various media platforms have raised doubts about the trust, credibility, and competence of the RBP, which he said is “not healthy for a small country like ours.”
He said that while lapses can occur due to complacency, efforts must be made to identify and correct them to prevent recurrence.
Further, he said that as an agency responsible to uphold and provide security to the society and more so, as an institution guided by a law enacted by the parliament, it is imperative that all of us place a certain amount of trust upon the institution (RBP).
He acknowledged that the incident points to possible procedural lapses, particularly related to detainee transport protocols and escort discipline.
He said that the Royal Bhutan Police guided by the Royal Bhutan Police Act, 2009 and its service rules has constituted a five-member inquiry team to look into the matter and is conducting a very thorough inquiry.
Based on the findings and their recommendations, appropriate actions shall be taken accordingly against all those responsible.
