KATHMANDU, MAY 13
Multiple demonstrations were staged in different parts of Kathmandu today, largely seeking action against those behind the fake Bhutanese refugee scam amid rumours that top political leaders involved in the case might go free.
At around 11:00am, civil society groups and various rights activists gathered around Maitighar Mandala, demanding that the government be vigilant against corruption. Later, in the evening, various political leaders held civic demonstration in the open space at Narayanchaur in Naxal.
The demonstration held in Maitighar was led by civil society member and medical reformist Dr Govinda KC, demanding that the topmost political leaders, if found to be linked with the scam, be brought to justice. "It's highly unlikely that such a huge scam could have been done without the support of top leaders," Dr KC said.
Demonstrators displayed placards against CPN-UML secretary and former energy minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and former home minister and Nepali Congress leader Bal Krishna Khand, demanding action against them. The demonstrators also asked the government to open files of other infamous corruption cases.
In the evening, people from various political parties, civil society and professions joined the civic demonstration at Narayanchaur to exert pressure on the government to conduct unbiased investigation into the scam.
Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai, former deputy prime minister and home minister Rabi Lamichhane, including youth leaders of the Nepali Congress, were seen joining the protest. Talking to media, Bhattarai said, "Action against the culprits is needed ." He also stressed the need to exert pressure on the government from the road in a continuous manner.
Some, participants in the demonstration, however, were seen shouting slogans against Bhattarai himself, saying he should be responsible for the country's situation as the former prime minister.
Protesters also handed over flowers to security personnel at Narayanchaur to thank Nepal Police for arresting those accused in the refugee scam.
Police have so far arrested 12 people, including a former minister and incumbent secretary of Nepal government.
The racket was masterminded by thugs and middlemen after a taskforce was formed by KP Sharma Oli-led government in July 2019 to study and gather evidence about those who were left out of the Bhutanese refugee registration process. The committee was formed with the purpose of repatriating them to third countries, mainly the United States.
The scam came to light after the victims of the scam reached the police upon knowing that the amount they had paid had gone in vain. Over 100 people have filed police complaints in the scam. However, more than 875 people are said to have been swindled in the case.
A version of this article appears in the print on May 14, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
