Former Koshi Minister Adhikari requests relief from party duties amid trafficking allegations

Kathmandu, November 8 — Lila Ballabh Adhikari, the former Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province, who has been accused of human trafficking, has requested to be relieved of his party responsibilities until an investigation is completed.

Adhikari submitted a request to be released from his party duties with a clarification, which was confirmed by Ghanshyam Khatiwada, the Chairman of the CPN-UML Koshi Province. Adhikari is a member of the CPN-UML in Koshi Province.

"The provincial committee had asked for a clarification, and he has submitted a request to be relieved of his responsibilities along with the clarification," Khatiwada told Ratopati, adding, "The party will discuss the request and make a decision."

Khatiwada further stated that if Adhikari falls under investigation, a further decision will be made depending on the situation.

Adhikari is accused of trafficking three individuals to Japan using forged documents. He traveled to Japan on October 31 for an event, but the Japanese immigration department returned him. Those who accompanied him to Japan have been arrested, and they have stated that they paid Adhikari between 1 to 1.2 million Nepali rupees.

Meanwhile, the CPN-UML is preparing to make a further decision about Adhikari at its Secretariat meeting on Saturday. UML's Publicity Department head, Rajendra Gautam, mentioned that there would be discussions about Adhikari during the meeting and further details would be revealed after the discussions.

Adhikari had already resigned from his ministerial post prior to these developments.