KATHMANDU: Senior Vice Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Dr. Swarnim Wagle, on Tuesday strongly criticized the committee formed to investigate the recent visit visa scandal, stating that the panel led by former Chief Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi is incapable of conducting a credible probe.
Speaking during the House of Representatives session, Wagle questioned the integrity and neutrality of Bairagi, claiming he is entangled in a conflict of interest and is closely associated with powerful individuals who are under scrutiny.
“Shankar Das Bairagi is someone who needs to remain in the good books of today’s powerful leaders. He is entangled in conflicts of interest. He should not have accepted this responsibility. Our party firmly believes that someone under the radar of investigative bodies cannot be tasked with leading an investigation into those very institutions,” Wagle said.
He also raised serious concerns over Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s involvement, claiming the minister himself is under suspicion and has indirect links to the scandal.
“The Home Minister is himself under the cloud of suspicion. His indirect involvement is evident, and so is his active protection of the accused,” Wagle said. “He proudly claimed that it was on his own proposal that the committee was formed. Should an accused individual get to pick the investigator?”
Wagle’s remarks came shortly after Home Minister Lekhak addressed the Parliament, stating that he had personally proposed the formation of the probe committee during a Cabinet meeting.
The RSP has been boycotting House proceedings over dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the visa scandal and the composition of the investigation panel.
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