Kathmandu, June 16 -- When Physical Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal went to inspect the Nagdhunga-Mugling road project on Sunday, his primary focus appeared less on administrative bottlenecks and more on physical intimidation. Flanked by Dhading's Chief District Officer Laxmi Pandey Gautam and senior security officers, Lamsal issued a chilling directive targeting a sub-contractor responsible for relocating electricity poles along the highway.

"Find out where this electricity pole relocation contractor is on this earth, bring him here," said Lamsal, his outburst captured on a video that quickly went viral across social media networks. "If he refuses to work, break his legs. I don't care about the consequences."

While the aggressive ...