Nepal’s government announced on Tuesday that it would reopen files related to the 2001 royal massacre in which then-King Birendra Shah’s entire family was killed.Home Minister Sultan Gurung made the announcement shortly after taking office.On June 1, 2001, all members of King Shah’s family, including Queen Aishwarya, were murdered by the then Crown Prince Deependra during a Friday dinner at the Narayanhiti Palace.The official commission of inquiry said in its report that Dipendra killed his father, mother, brother, sister and other family members before committing suicide while under the influence of alcohol. The report of the Commission of Inquiry was dismissed by many at the time.Upon his return to office, Gurung said all previous investigative files related to the incident would be reopened as part of the new investigation.Gurung resigned from the cabinet over alleged financial irregularities and illegal asset accumulation. However, a government-established commission of inquiry gave him a clean slate, clearing the way for his re-election.
