RSP rejects high-level probe committee on visit visa scandal

KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has rejected the high-level probe committee formed by the government to investigate the visit visa scandal, calling it biased and unacceptable.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, RSP Vice President Dr. Swarnim Wagle strongly criticized the government’s decision to appoint former Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi as the head of the committee.

He alleged that Bairagi is a long-time favorite of those in power and is himself under the radar of investigative bodies, questioning how such an individual could lead a fair investigation.

“Our party firmly believes that he should not take up this responsibility. He is entangled in a web of conflicts of interest and has been a mysterious figure throughout his career,” said Dr. Wagle, citing Bairagi’s roles as Foreign Secretary and later Chief Secretary, during which time major scandals allegedly occurred, including multi-billion rupee telecom irregularities.

Wagle further stated that the RSP suspects indirect involvement of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in the visit visa case and accused him of shielding those responsible.

He warned that unless the composition of the committee is reviewed, the party will continue its protest.

“We are new, but not naïve,” he added, criticizing the Home Minister for proudly admitting that the committee was formed on his own recommendation.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) also echoed similar concerns, arguing that a committee formed under the Home Minister’s proposal cannot ensure impartial investigation.