Police Reopen File of Fake Bhutanese Refugee Case: myRepublica Update

Unravelling the High-Profile Nexus

In a recent development, the police in Kathmandu have reopened the case of the fake Bhutanese refugee scam involving several high-profile individuals. This move comes after a year of investigation and two suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.

One of the arrested individuals is Pratik Thapa, the son of former Home Minister and Deputy Chairperson of Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre), Ram Bahadur Thapa. Pratik, who served as his father’s personal secretary during his tenure as Home Minister, has been under suspicion for his alleged involvement in the scam for quite some time.

Despite being aware of the impending arrest, Pratik went into hiding, prompting the police to obtain an arrest warrant from the Kathmandu District Court. After a brief chase, he was apprehended in Boudha and is set to appear before the court for further proceedings.

Arrest of Bechan Jha

Another key figure arrested in connection with the case is Bechan Jha, who was taken into custody near the western border. Jha is believed to have received a substantial amount of money from a gang involved in the scam, with allegations suggesting that he promised to influence decisions related to the refugee case.

The police are now seeking a remand to continue their investigation following Jha’s arrest, hoping to uncover more details about his role in the scam.

Potential High-Profile Connections

With the arrests of Pratik Thapa and Bechan Jha, there is optimism within the police force that further high-profile connections may come to light in the refugee scam. Senior officials believe that the duo’s relationships and past positions could lead to significant revelations in the case.

It has been alleged that Pratik’s mother, Nainkala Thapa, received money from one of the main planners, Sanu Bhandari, at the request of Pratik. Additionally, security advisor Indrajit Rai and his son Niraj have also been implicated in the scam, with Rai currently in custody pending further investigation.

Potential Political Pressures

While the police remain hopeful about uncovering new connections through their investigation, they acknowledge the potential for political pressures to influence the case. Senior Superintendent of Police Bishwa Adhikari emphasized that the ongoing investigation is a continuation of previous efforts and that the apprehended individuals will be presented in court as part of the same case.

As the investigation progresses, the police are determined to delve deeper into the alleged nexus and bring all involved parties to justice.