No pressure can halt the investigation: Shrestha

KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Center) Senior Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has expressed his determination to pursue investigations into the Bhutanese refugee scam and ensure that justice is served.

Talking to Himal Press, Shrestha dismissed claims that pressure from political leaders would hinder the investigation. “The investigation that the police have initiated won’t be stopped. The pressure is immense, but I am determined to complete the work. No matter how much pressure comes, I will handle,” Shrestha said, adding: “Wrongdoers will face the consequences and may even end up in jail, as their actions are unforgivable. The investigation of the Nepal Police is not weak, as some might claim. We will ensure that justice is served this time. We are committed to ensuring the innocent are not falsely implicated and the guilty do not escape.”

When questioned about the restlessness of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and the confidence of Arju Rana Deuba in regard to the ongoing investigation, Shrestha replied that their actions were their own concern. “Allowing organized crime to take place by misusing state resources will have severe consequences, even for top leaders,” he said, assuring that the ongoing investigations would not succumb to pressure and that the process would continue.

“Corruption, crime, smuggling, and fraud should not be protected in any way. I am disheartened by the involvement of friends, rising political figures, and high-ranking government officials in such acts,” he said.

When asked why the previous home ministers neglected the issue, Shrestha explained that he was currently examining why it was not addressed before. “There is a need for greater vigilance and stronger action within the government system,” he said, assuring that innocent individuals would not be prosecuted.

When asked whether there is pressure from the leadership to protect their friends, Shrestha said Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was committed to taking the case to a conclusion. “My intention is to create an environment where fraudsters, corrupt individuals, smugglers, and black marketers willingly surrender themselves to the law. I have always stated that much can be achieved when one the home minister, and the prime minister share the same sentiment,” he said. “Despite leading a coalition government, the Prime Minister’s determination and the honest efforts of the Nepal Police align with my work,” he added.

Police have so far arrested Deputy Prime Minister Rayamajhi, former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand, Secretary at the Office of the Deputy President Tek Narayan Pandey, former Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal’s security advisor Dr. Indrajit Rai, Khand’s personal secretary Narendra KC, Bhutanese refugee leader Teknath Rijal, Keshav Dulal, Sanu Bhandari, Sagar Rai, Sandesh Sharma, Tanka Kumar Gurung, Sandeep Rayamajhi, Ram Sharan KC, and Govinda Chaudhary.

The racket has been accused of swindling tens of millions of rupees from hundreds of Nepalis, promising them resettlement in the US as Bhutanese refugees.