Kathmandu: A parliamentary special investigation committee has directed Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to facilitate the return of 18 individuals who have fled abroad following allegations of misuse and embezzlement of cooperative funds.
During a meeting held today, the committee discussed the matter with Home Minister Lekhak and Home Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, ultimately instructing them to arrange for the return of these individuals to Nepal.
Committee Chairperson Surya Bahadur Thapa Chhetri informed the media after the meeting that the committee had issued directives to search for, repatriate, and support the investigation process concerning the 18 individuals involved in the mismanagement of cooperative funds.
The committee’s investigation includes cases from cooperatives such as Sanopaila, Sahara, Surya Darshan, Swarnalaxmi, Hamro Naya Krishi, Suprim, and Samanta. Specific individuals mentioned include GB Rai from Surya Darshan Cooperative, Bharat Maharjan, Rajmaya Maharjan, Sachin Maharjan, and Sarala Maharjan from Sumeru and Kalimati Cooperatives.
Additionally, the committee has directed the return of Gyan Bahadur Bamjan and Than Bahadur Budha Magar, former chairpersons of Surya Darshan Cooperative; Bhupendra Rai, Tej Bahadur Bamjan Tamang, and Leelanath Gautam from Shivshikhar Cooperative; Dev Kumar Nepali, Cheda Nepali, and Deepak Poudel from Image Cooperative; Taswiran Khatun and Asharaf Ali from Sano Paila; Subash KC from Sahara and Suprim; Prem Dhwaj Lama from Kantipur Cooperative; and Mahashankar Regmi from Megadrim Cooperative.
The committee has also provided the Home Minister with a list of 24 individuals currently in custody, whom they believe need further questioning.