KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon issue a formal statement regarding the growing controversy over the alleged ‘visit visa’ racket at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Speaking at a party event organized by the Nepali Congress Dhanusha chapter on Saturday, Lekhak stated that he had deliberately remained silent for a few days to investigate the matter thoroughly.
“A lot is being said on Twitter. I remained quiet for a few days because I was trying to understand where it was coming from,” he said. “I’ve now come to know quite a bit. The ministry will issue a statement later today.”
Lekhak also said he would personally speak about the issue “in a couple of days,” assuring the public there was no need to panic.
“I will speak myself in two to four days,” he said. “There’s no reason to worry or be alarmed.”
As his name continues to be linked to the scandal, Lekhak maintained that he has never acted in a way that would bring shame to his party.
“I’ve never done anything in my political life that would make my party hang its head in shame,” he said. “If ever I am personally involved in such acts, I will quit politics altogether.”
The scandal surfaced after the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) detained Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, joint secretary and chief of the Immigration Office at the airport—an office under the Home Ministry.
Lekhak had appointed Bhattarai to the post on October 10 last year, replacing then-chief Suresh Panthi. Reports say visa-related corruption increased sharply after Bhattarai took charge.
Amid CIAA’s growing interest in the case, the Home Ministry allegedly attempted to transfer Bhattarai from the immigration office to the ministry on Tuesday evening, possibly to protect him. However, before the transfer could be finalized, Bhattarai was taken into custody.
Media reports claim that immigration staff, in collusion with individuals from the Home Minister’s secretariat, have been charging Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 from those traveling to Gulf countries on visit visas. For those going to Europe, the bribe reportedly ranged from Rs 200,000 to Rs 300,000. It is also alleged that daily collections reached up to Rs 5 million, some of which made their way to the Home Minister’s inner circle.
The scandal has led to a writ being filed at the Supreme Court demanding Lekhak’s dismissal. Filed by advocate Madhu Chaulagain, the writ has yet to be officially registered. The Supreme Court is expected to decide on registration by Sunday.
A separate complaint has also been filed with the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The complaint, filed by Yubraj Safal, accuses officials of issuing visit visas based on fake documents and collecting large sums in return. The complaint specifically names the Home Minister, immigration officials, and members of Lekhak’s secretariat.
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