CHITWAN, Jan 12: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has said that he has ordered the arrest of Member of Parliament Laxmi Mahato Koiri, who is accused of a murder. Talking to reporters at the Bharatpur Airport, Lamichhane said that he had ordered an arrest and investigation.

"The home minister does not walk around with handcuffs in his pocket. It is also difficult to recognize all MPs when we meet them," said Home Minister Lamichhane, "When I found out, I immediately ordered the chief of police to arrest him [Koiri].” Koiri was with Home Minister Lamichhane in parliament to give a vote of confidence to PM Dahal. Lamichhane insisted that anyone who tried to cover up the crime would be dealt with ruthlessly. He said that he has given instructions to the security agencies accordingly.

“We are determined to improve the rule of law. Nepal Police is working to strengthen the rule of law," he said, "I have also instructed the police not to be under the influence of political parties. Anyone who tries to influence the investigation related to the crime will be severely punished. He insisted that he will not act against the sentiments of the citizens. “I will do as much good as I can, but I won't do bad things," he said, "Instead, I will leave with clean hands.” He said that he will work in harmony with the people.

He said that he does not need VVIP services for himself. "I don't want to challenge the protocol of the institution, but I don't have to do any special work for myself," he said, "I can't refuse to do the security work of the Home Minister, but I want to walk freely." He said that he had not forgotten the promise to study and investigate corruption files. "No one can stop corruption by giving a vote of confidence to the government and sitting in the opposition. It doesn't matter if there is support in parliament or not," he said, "Politics is in its place. We will not combine politics and crime together.” He insisted that the current parliament will not be dissolved.

Home Minister Lamichhane said that removing the post of Deputy Prime Minister will not make any difference. Lamichhane said in response to a question from the media about adding a deputy prime minister, “Adding a deputy prime minister does not burden the state. It is nothing but a respectable subject. I have no objection to removing the prefix ‘Deputy Prime Minister’ from my name. However, several people have become deputy prime ministers. Sometimes a little respect makes sense to some. But it is not a problem for me.” Lamichhane, who came to Chitwan for the first time after becoming the home minister, also talked about the work he had done in Chitwan.

 
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