SIRAHA: Police have arrested Amanat Miya of Naraha Rural Municipality-3, Khoriya, on charges of impersonating the father of an Indian citizen and facilitating the illegal acquisition of Nepali citizenship.
According to the police, Amanat Miya pretended to be the father of Mostak Miya from Jayanagar Gram Panchayat Deudha, Madhubani district, Bihar, India.
Based on his fraudulent claim and a recommendation from the local ward office, the District Administration Office, Siraha, issued citizenship number 150180-4362 to Mostak Miya on Ashad 26, 2080.
Law enforcement authorities apprehended Amanat Miya from his residence on Tuesday evening and have launched an investigation into the case. However, locals allege that political pressure has hindered the arrest of Ward Chair Rustam Ansari and Secretary Ramdev Mandal, who allegedly played a role in recommending the illegal citizenship.
Residents have raised concerns over what they call the selective application of the law, with some expressing frustration over the lack of accountability for local officials. They claim that despite lodging a complaint with the District Administration Office a year and a half ago, no action was taken due to political influence and economic pressure.
The controversy gained momentum when Rajkishore Yadav, a member of the House of Representatives from Siraha Constituency No. 2, raised the issue in parliament. Following public outrage and media coverage, the police and administration were compelled to take action.
The police have secured a court summons from the Siraha District Court and are expanding the investigation to include all those involved in the citizenship fraud. Reports suggest that Ward Chair Ansari and Secretary Mandal allegedly received INR 200,000 in exchange for their recommendation, but no action has been taken against them yet.
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