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National image tarnished

The Himalayan Times
12 May 2023

National image tarnished

The on-going scandal involving fake Bhutanese refugees with allegations of involvement of high profile political leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties has rocked the nation, thus tarnishing the country’s image in the international community. As reported in the media, more than 100 complaints against fraud of over Rs 230 million have been filed with the police which has revealed that each candidate seeking to go to the US had to pay between Rs 1 million to Rs 5 million. Even on the first day of the on-going budget session in the HoR, lawmakers representing the ruling parties and the main opposition were seen blaming each other over the fake Bhutanese refugees scam “Fake Bhutanese refugee scam dominates discussion on first day of Budget session” (THT, 8 April, Page 1).


Addressing the special hour of the House, opposition lawmakers demanded the government also dare to investigate the Nepal Airlines wide-body scam, Omni corruption case, Bansbari land scam, Balmandir and Matatirtha land scams. Lawmakers have also asked the government to open file to investigate corruption in the Maoist combatants’ cantonments. There is growing demand for forming a high-level commission to thoroughly investigate into these scams and punish the culprits. Some of the suspected in this fake Bhutanese refugees scam are in the police custody already “Sandeep Rayamajhi remanded to 3-day custody” (THT, May 5, Page 1). However, high-level political leaders are yet to be traced by the police and put behind bars. It remains to be seen whether the government will show the seriousness and sincerity to boost police personnel’s morale and encourage them to trace the accused leaders without being biased towards or against them.

Maharajgunj

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