Eight officials of the Immigration Office at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who are accused of setting up visit visas, have been absconding.
Police said they are investigating the case after taking immigration official Narbir Khadka under control.
The police have taken an arrest warrant against other seven officials based on Khadka’s statements. Tara Bahadur Kunwar against whom the arrest warrant has been issued, is also at large.
Those absconding are Kushal Baral, Shailendra Dhakal, Bimal Paudel, Bishnu Aryal, Bikash Dangol, Pitambar Rimal and Sujan Phago. Police have recommended cases against nine officials who are accused of setting up visit visas.
Police have also demanded with the Ministry of General Administration seeking details which departments they are working at, currently.
According to police, Tara Bahadur Kunwar used to set up visit visas. Later, he assigned this job to Narbir Khadka. Both of them are from Rukum.
During the investigation, Narbir admitted to have received Rs 20 million in bribe from two middlemen. He used to split the amount received as bribe among the officials.
Police have arrested 10 officials for their alleged involvement in setting up visit visas. With the arrest of the immigration officials, the scuffle took place between officials and the security personnel in the course of investigation.
Immigration officials have accused the police of breaching their jurisdiction. Last week, more than 80 individuals who were going abroad on visit visas were turned back from the TIA.
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