KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 9
CPN-UML's Secretariat has endorsed the suspension of Lila Ballav Adhikari, a member in Koshi Provincial Assembly, from all party posts until legal issues raised against him are resolved. Adhikari, who previously held portfolios for Internal Affairs and Law within the Koshi provincial cabinet, resigned following the deportation of three individuals with fraudulent documents posing as his assistants during a Japan tour. Media reports suggest that Adhikari was also deported by Japanese immigration authorities.
UML leader Pradeep Kumar Gyawali announced the Secretariat's decision to relieve Adhikari of all party responsibilities and membership until legal questions against him are settled. He urged law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate serious accusations made against Adhikari, with UML extending full support during this investigation.
Earlier today, Koshi Chapter of the UML decided to suspend Adhikari from his party posts and membership due to human trafficking allegations. The chapter also called for a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies to uncover the truth. Ghanashyam Khatiwada, Chief of UML's Koshi Chapter, issued a press release stating that Adhikari had been asked to resign from his position as Minister of International Affairs and Law after violating government protocol during his Japan trip.
Three individuals accused of fraudulently obtaining documents were Dawa Sherpa and Janak Rai of Khotang and Kanchan Devkota of Rasuwa, who accompanied Adhikari on the tour. Police have since arrested three more people - Mahesh Pandey of Dhading, Jugal Rijal of Nuwakot, and Bir Bahadur Sunar of Dolakha - for allegedly assisting these individuals in forging government documents.
In response to this situation, the CPN-MC Parliamentary Party in Koshi province issued a press release demanding an investigation into Adhikari's actions. They emphasized that provincial ministers must seek Chief Minister permission before leaving the provincial headquarters and federal government approval prior to embarking on foreign tours.
