Bishwakarma comes out in support of Khand

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) Central Working Committee Member, Min Bishwakarma, has voiced his support for former home minister and party leader, Bal Krishna Khand, who is currently in police custody for investigation into the Bhutanese refugees scam.

Speaking at the central working committee meeting of the party on Friday, Bishwakarma argued that the committee does not possess the authority to make decisions on matters that are sub judice. “Do we hand over our family member to the police if they face any accusations? I want an answer to this question,” he said, referring to Khand. “Nepali Congress is like a family. What sense does it make to take a delegation and call for the arrest of a family member solely based on an allegation?”

Bishwakarma also claimed that it would be premature to pronounce Khand guilty at this stage. He questioned the purpose of appointing legal counsel for his defense if the central working committee were to prematurely declare him guilty. “Is the Nepali Congress now functioning as a court of law to pronounce judgment?” he questioned.

Stating that other parties tend to protect their leaders whenever allegations are made against them, he said it would be unjust to take immediate action against Khand without proper investigation.

The central working committee is currently divided on the matter. Some leaders close to the establishment faction believe the party should refrain from taking any action against Khand, while those aligned with the anti-establishment faction argue for his suspension pending the investigation.