KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against Deputy Secretary Tirtharaj Bhattarai and six others for allegedly running an illegal extortion racket targeting Nepalis traveling abroad on visit visas.
The case was lodged at the Special Court on Thursday. The CIAA has alleged that the accused, including Bhattarai—who served as the chief of the Tribhuvan International Airport Immigration Office—colluded to collect bribes from outbound travelers. Bhattarai faces a fine of Rs 7.9 million along with imprisonment under Section 3, Subsection 9(10)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059 (First Amendment).
Other individuals named in the case include former Immigration Officer Yagya Raj Aryal (fine of Rs 800,000), Greenline Holidays and its chairman Balkrishna Khadka (Rs 3 million), Family Holidays Travels & Tours founder Deepak Bhandari (Rs 1.06 million), Greenline Holidays’ former shareholder Ram Khadka (Rs 3 million), Kavita Paudel (Rs 7.9 million), and Khem Prasad Subedi (Rs 7.9 million).
Political controversy and weakened oversight
The scandal drew political attention when then–Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s name surfaced, with allegations suggesting Bhattarai was deputed to the airport under Lekhak’s instruction, facilitating the extortion network. The issue triggered parliamentary protests, with Maoist Centre and Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmakers obstructing proceedings, demanding Lekhak’s resignation. Questions were also raised about the roles of then–Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi, HR Division Chief Chhabi Rijal, and other ministry officials.
Mechanics of the visit-visa scam
Nepali travelers seeking visit visas must submit bank statements, hotel bookings, and other travel documents to immigration for clearance. However, CIAA investigations revealed that immigration staff allegedly worked with manpower agents and human-trafficking networks to collect bribes, allowing only those who paid to travel. Employees had set up a structured system to collect money, maintain records, and share the extorted funds, reportedly using dedicated software.
Oversight reportedly weakened after Lekhak became Home Minister, allowing the network to operate more freely. Even during ongoing investigations, several youths were allowed to travel abroad through “setting,” fueling public outrage.
Past investigations and prior charges
Bhattarai had previously faced corruption allegations over irregular tarpaulin procurement for earthquake victims. Although acquitted by the Special Court, he was later reinstated and promoted to Deputy Secretary in 2020. Earlier, the Oli-led government had formed a committee under former Chief Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi to study the visit-visa system; the committee submitted its report, but the findings remain unpublished.
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