The recent revelation by Former Additional Inspector General of Nepal Police Bigyan Raj Sharma regarding the release of two people arrested earlier in connection with the fake Bhutanese refugees scam under political pressure has raised serious concerns about the justice system in Nepal. It is alarming to hear that high-profile leaders of the ruling parties including the then Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand are allegedly involved in such heinous crimes, and despite the evidence, they were able to influence the release of the accused. The scam, which involves a fraud of around Rs 400 million with a total of 145 victims approaching police for justice so far, is not an isolated case. Corruption and political influence in the justice system have been long-standing issues in Nepal. It is sad to note that many such cases involving influential people have been dismissed, and the perpetrators have walked free without any consequences in the past. As a newspaper, we strongly urge the government authorities concerned not to dismiss the scam just because high-profile leaders are involved. Since the fake Bhutanese refugee scam is a matter of national shame, the authorities concerned must allow police administration to launch a thorough investigation into the matter and bring everyone involved, regardless of their power and position, to justice. We hope to see that all the accused, including those who influenced the release of the two arrested individuals, are held accountable for their actions.
Judge Neupane’s bench to hear fake Bhutanese refugee case
While the police administration works to bring all those involved in this crime to justice, it is equally essential to address the root cause of such crimes. The lack of accountability and transparency in the justice system has allowed corruption and political influence to thrive. The authorities should take steps to strengthen the justice system and ensure that it functions independently without any political interference. The government should also work towards creating a culture of transparency and accountability, where people in positions of power are held responsible for their actions. Additionally, it is crucial to provide protection and support to whistleblowers and individuals who come forward with evidence of corruption and wrongdoing. The fear of retaliation often prevents people from speaking up against powerful individuals, which further fuels corruption and injustice. The authorities should create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to come forward and report any wrongdoing without any fear of retaliation. We appreciate the leadership and personal initiative demonstrated by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha to bring all those involved in this infamous scam to justice.
In fact, the scam of promising Nepalis entry to the USA in the guise of Bhutanese refugees is appalling and can potentially damage the country's national reputation on the global stage. The government must act quickly to prevent any further harm to the public and send a strong message to those who believe they can get away with such crimes. This scam also highlights the need for a stronger and independent justice system in Nepal. The authorities concerned should take strict actions to ensure that justice is served, and those involved in the crime, regardless of their position or political affiliation, are held accountable for their actions without any further delay. It is time for the government to take steps towards creating a culture of transparency and accountability, where corruption and political influence have no place. As a newspaper, we expect the authorities to take swift action to bring justice to the victims of this scam and prevent similar scams from happening in the future. It is the responsibility of the government to control corruption, and we hope that the government will not shy away from its responsibility under any pretexts.
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