KATHMANDU: The government has replaced and downsized the security team assigned to former King Gyanendra Shah.

According to a source at the Armed Police Headquarters, the security team was changed late Friday night between 11 PM and midnight.

Previously, a 26-member team led by DSP Jagdish Hamal was stationed at Gyanendra’s residence.

This unit has now been withdrawn and replaced with a new 16-member team under the command of DSP Pramod Prakash Pathak from the 9th Battalion, Balambu.

While security protocols for VVIPs permit a 16-member team, the government had previously assigned 26 personnel.

The decision to adjust and reduce his security detail follows a government review of the privileges granted to Gyanendra, concluding that he played a role in inciting Friday’s violent protests.