kathmandu, Following the directive of Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, the long-dormant fake Bhutanese refugee scam file has been reopened, reigniting investigations that implicate several high-level political leaders.

One of the prominent figures allegedly linked to the case is Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, wife of Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Previous governments had reportedly hesitated to investigate her, and multiple political leaders had managed to avoid legal scrutiny under the protection of power and influence.

The administration led by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli faced criticism for shielding key individuals involved in the scam, including Arzu Rana. During that time, law enforcement officers investigating the case were frequently transferred or pressured, hampering progress in the probe.

Now, under the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, a renewed commitment has been made to reopen stalled or politically blocked corruption files. During an inspection of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Home Minister Aryal instructed the police to revisit several shelved investigations—prompting CIB to restart supplementary inquiries into the refugee scam.

As part of this renewed investigation, police have also raided the residence of Arzu Rana’s brother, believed to be connected to the case.

The scam involved forging documents to present Nepali citizens as Bhutanese refugees, with the promise of resettling them in the United States. Investigations have already led to charges against several former high-ranking officials, including:

• Former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand

• Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi

• Former Home Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey

The case was initially investigated by AIG Dr. Manoj Kumar KC during his previous tenure at the CIB in 2079–2080 BS. His team’s findings led to charges against 30 individuals, and major arrests followed:

• Bal Krishna Khand was arrested on Baisakh 27

• Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, who had been on the run, was apprehended on Baisakh 31 from Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu

• Tek Narayan Pandey was arrested on Baisakh 20 from Purano Sinamangal

They were charged under multiple offenses including fraud, forgery, crimes against the state, and organized crime, with a total damage claim of Rs. 281 million (28.1 crore). Of the 30 accused, 16—including Khand, Rayamajhi, and Pandey—were remanded to custody at Central Jail, Sundhara for pre-trial detention.

Among them, Bal Krishna Khand was released on Mangsir 28, 2081 BS.

This renewed investigation under the Karki-led interim government marks a significant shift in political will to pursue high-profile corruption cases—regardless of status or affiliation.