Koshi minister Hangam seizes key of secretary’s car

ITAHARI: Koshi Province Minister for Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives Khagen Singh Hangam has once again stirred controversy. On Monday, he seized the car key of his ministry’s secretary, Sharan Kumar Pandey.

Sources said Hangam called over the driver as soon as he reached the office and took the key. He also scolded Secretary Pandey, accusing him of non-cooperation.

Pandey had been transferred two weeks earlier but stayed on as he had not received a release order. The provincial cabinet on August 29 decided to retain him in the same ministry. Unhappy with the decision, Hangam expressed his anger by confiscating the vehicle key.

The minister then gathered drivers and warned them not to drive the secretary. “Anyone who does so will face action,” he told the drivers, according to sources.

Earlier, during budget preparation, Hangam had allegedly threatened to physically assault the secretary and division chiefs after they participated in discussions with the chief secretary without consulting him first.