KATHMANDU: A high-profile Fake Bhutanese refugee case has been investigated again by the Kathmandu District Police Office, resulting in the recent arrest of two people, including Pratik Thapa, the son of former Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa. The personal secretary to his father, Pratik Thapa, had been running from the law ever since the Kathmandu District Court issued an arrest order for him. Police tracking him after learning of his movements were able to capture him in Boudha.
Another arrest in connection with the case is Bechan Jha, captured near the western border. Jha allegedly received Rs 20 million from a gang involved in the scam, purportedly to influence decisions related to Bhutanese refugees within the Cabinet. Both arrests are expected to shed light on further connections and possible high-profile involvements in the ongoing investigation.
Sanu Bhandari, identified as a main planner in the case, has implicated Pratik Thapa's mother, Nainkala Thapa, in financial transactions related to the scam. While Pratik Thapa's advisor, Indrajit Rai, and Rai's son Niraj have also been linked to the case, former Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has not faced any formal charges due to lack of substantial evidence against him, according to police statements.
The police are optimistic that the arrests of Pratik Thapa and Bechan Jha will uncover deeper connections and roles played by influential figures. They emphasize that further investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing, with expectations of more revelations as the case progresses. Despite concerns about potential political pressures, authorities assert their commitment to pursuing justice in the complex and sensitive matter involving the alleged misuse of official positions for personal gain.
