Government Takes Steps to Investigate Nepal's Visit Visa Scam
Nepal’s government has initiated a formal inquiry into the alleged visit visa scam that has stirred political tensions and public outcry. In a move to address the controversy, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced the formation of a seven-member investigative panel on Tuesday, tasked with probing claims of widespread extortion at Tribhuvan International Airport targeting Nepali travelers.
Opposition Parties Push Back, Alleging a Cover-Up
While the probe marks a significant step, the announcement has been met with skepticism by key opposition parties. Both the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party walked out of the parliamentary session in protest, arguing the panel’s composition—consisting entirely of current bureaucrats—suggests an attempt to shield the Home Minister and implicated officials.
These opposition factions, along with the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), initially demanded not only a thorough investigation but also the resignation of Minister Lekhak to ensure impartiality. However, the Maoist Centre later shifted its position, consenting to the probe without insisting on the minister’s departure.
Maoist Centre’s Shift and Leadership’s Justification
Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, leader of the Maoist Centre, defended his party’s decision, emphasizing the necessity for the truth to surface. He believes that opposition parties will eventually recognize that his party’s approach was the most sensible under the current circumstances.
Current Status of the Investigation and Political Backing
Meanwhile, Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, the chief of Immigration, remains suspended pending investigation into his alleged role in the scam. Minister Lekhak, supported firmly by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and the Nepali Congress leadership, maintains that accountability should not fall squarely on the minister for administrative faults by bureaucrats.
Key Facts at a Glance
- 7-member panel led by former Chief Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi established to investigate.
- Probe focuses on alleged rampant extortion of Nepali citizens using visit visas.
- Opposition parties criticize the panel, accusing the government of attempting a cover-up.
- Minister Ramesh Lekhak refuses to resign, backed by the Prime Minister.
- Suspended Immigration Chief Tirtha Raj Bhattarai under investigation.
This controversy remains a significant point of debate within Nepal’s political landscape, highlighting ongoing challenges in governance and accountability within immigration services.
