Kathmandu, July 9 -- The newly-appointed head of Nepal Police Shailesh Thapa Kshetri takes charge at a time when the force faces a host of challenges, particularly over long-pending hi-profile cases and its relations with the public.

Fifty-two-year-old Kshetri, who was appointed the 28th chief of Nepal Police on Tuesday, had joined the state body in 1992 as inspector, and was heading the Department of Human Resources and Administration before being promoted to the top position.

Kshetri, along with Additional Inspector General Hari Bahadur Pal were in the race for the post, but the government picked Chhetri based on his seniority and performance. Kshetri will lead the police force for 22 months until his retirement.

Kshetri's predecesso...