Corruption Case Hearing Begins Against Former Joint Secretary Tirtharaj Bhattarai and Others in Visit Visa Scam

Kathmandu. Hearing has begun in the corruption case against former joint secretary of the Department of Immigration Tirtharaj Bhattarai and former immigration officer of Tribhuvan International Airport Yagyaraj Aryal, among 7 others, in the visit visa scam. The hearing is underway in the bench of Special Court Chairman Basudev Acharya and Judges Hemant Rawal and Bidur Koirala.

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) had also filed a case against Bhattarai and two others for the offense of money laundering. A claim of Rs 7.98 million in arrears, an equal amount as fine, and imprisonment for 6 to 8 years has been demanded against Bhattarai, who has been made the main defendant. Due to his position as office chief, an additional 3 years of imprisonment has also been demanded.