PressAdda
Kathmandu- The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against Secretary Tirthraj Bhattarai and others for allegedly running an illegal bribery operation targeting Nepalis traveling abroad on visit visas at Tribhuvan International Airport. The scandal came to light after Bhattarai was arrested on 7 Chaitra 2081.
भिजिट भिसा प्रकरणमा नयाँ ट्विस्ट : सबै प्रतिवादीको नाम सार्वजनिक
The indictment names Bhattarai, Officer Yagya Raj Aryal, and several holiday agency owners and associates as defendants. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak is also implicated in allegedly orchestrating the scheme.
Officials at the Immigration Office reportedly collaborated with manpower and human trafficking agencies to collect bribes and send only selected individuals abroad. Bhattarai was allegedly posted to the airport to facilitate this operation.
Bhattarai was previously accused of irregularities in purchasing tarpaulins for earthquake victims. After being cleared by a special court, he was promoted to Secretary in Asar 2077.
