NC chooses not to suspend Khand immediately

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) has decided against taking immediate action against its central committee member and former home minister, Bal Krishna Khand, who is currently in police remand for an investigation into the Bhutanese refugee scam.

Talking to reporters after the meeting of the party’s office-bearers on Thursday, NC Joint General Secretary Jivan Pariyar said the meeting has decided to wait until the investigation is completed. “He is cooperating with the investigation. Just a few days ago, he was in Butwal, and if he had any intention to flee, he could have done so. The party does not intend to protect him if he is found guilty,” Pariyar added.

Pariyar also clarified that no party leaders were in favor of immediate action against Khand.

It was said that two general secretaries – Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma – Wednesday asked the party to suspend Khand. But Pariyar rejected those claims

Khand was arrested at his residence in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning and has been remanded in police custody for four days.

“Regardless of who is individuals involved in the case, the scam has brought shame upon the country,” Pariyar said.