Blacklisted criminals escape from Nepal despite travel ban

Immigration officer Bhattarai shield himself blaming server issue

KATHMANDU, May 26: Not only has the visit visa been misused at Tribhuvan International Airport, but it has also come to light that individuals banned from international travel have been able to leave the country without obstruction. Three months ago, two Indian nationals flew out using blacklisted passports without any restrictions. They were on the Indian police's "most wanted" list.

The Department of Immigration (DoI) only became aware that the blacklisted individuals had reached a third country, after which it sought a clarification from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Chief Tirtharaj Bhattarai.

“Three months ago, it was found that two Indian nationals were flown to Dubai, even though their passports were blacklisted,” said an official at the DoI. “They were wanted by the Indian government, which had also requested assistance from the Nepal Police, and the information that they left Nepal using the airport was confirmed to be true.” At that time, an investigation was launched against TIA Chief Tirtharaj Bhattarai. The individuals had come to Nepal after committing crimes in India, and the Indian police were actively searching for them.

However, it appears that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) did not take the matter seriously. “The serious question is why the chief of the Immigration Office was pardoned, even though internationally blacklisted individuals managed to leave the country through Nepal’s airport and the office failed to stop them,” said the official from the DoI.

However, no officials from the DoI were willing to speak on the matter. Assistant Spokesperson of the Home Ministry, Rabindra Acharya, said he was not aware of the issue and suggested that the Personnel Administration Division might have the information. Attempts to contact Chhabi Rijal, the head of the Personnel Administration Division, were unsuccessful.

At that time, Bhattarai shielded himself by claiming there was a server issue. He shielded himself arguing that the system is designed to show a red alert for blacklisted passports and a green signal for those not on the list, and since no red alert appeared for the passports of the two Indian nationals.

According to sources, there had been no server issues on that day. He was reportedly protected by higher-level authorities and was reinstated at the airport. “No action was taken at the time, and even now, efforts are being made to prevent those involved in the misuse of visit visas,” said an official from the MoHA. According to the official, when the DoI tried to take action, the ministry intervened to protect him.