Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha has vowed to take strict action against loan sharks and those involved in swindling tens of millions from hundreds of people with false promises of sending them to the US as Bhutanese refugees.
Talking to Himal Press, Shrestha said that no one involved in any form of criminal activity will be granted immunity. He stated that he will carry out his duties without being intimidated by any threats or external pressures. “No matter how influential or powerful the wrongdoers are, there is no justification for sparing them. My belief is that I will not make any mistakes, and I will not allow those who commit crimes to evade justice,” he added.
Shrestha, who is also the Senior Vice Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Center), has instructed the police administration not to release any culprits, regardless of their stature. Shrestha said his instructions to the police administration are to ensure that no innocent person is harmed, but those who commit crimes aren’t spared.
Earlier on Wednesday, Teknarayan Pandey, the secretary at the Office of the Vice President, was arrested by the police as part of the ongoing investigation into the fake refugee case. Shrestha has indicated that many high-profile individuals will be implicated in the case.
The District Administration Office in Kathmandu has already issued arrest warrants for CPN-UML Secretary Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and his son Sandeep, who are also being investigated in the case. Additionally, an arrest warrant has been issued for Pratik Thapa, the son of former Home Minister and UML Vice Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa. Indrajit Rai, Thapa’s former security adviser during his tenure as Home Minister, has already been arrested by the police.
On his first day as Home Minister, Shrestha revoked the authority of the Home Minister and Home Secretary to approve expenditures for spying operations. This move indicates his commitment to transparency and accountability within the home ministry.
