Kathmandu [Nepal], August 3 – Pushpa Raj Bhattarai, a Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was arrested by police on Monday over alleged offenses under the country’s Passport Act, authorities said.
Bhattarai was taken into custody by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal police from Kageshwori Manahara municipality in Kathmandu according to CIB Senior Superintendent of Police Anupam Shumsher JBR.
Police said the arrest is linked to an alleged passport-related offense dating back to 2068 BS (2011/12). Although the alleged incident occurred more than a decade ago the case was formally registered only in April this year.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the nature of the alleged offense.
Police said Bhattarai was arrested after investigators found evidence linking him to violations under the Passport Act. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
The CIB is preparing to present him before the court to seek permission for further legal proceedings in accordance with Nepal’s criminal justice process.
Bhattarai is one of the senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his arrest comes amid increased scrutiny of passport-related irregularities in Nepal.
