CPN-UML suspends state lawmaker from party over human trafficking charges

CPN-UML state assembly member Lilaballabh Adhikari was suspended from his party following allegations of his involvement in a human trafficking case.

Adhikari, who served as law and home minister in the Koshi state government, resigned from his ministerial post on Wednesday after running into controversy over his visit to Japan without permission or prior notice.

UML’s Koshi State president Ghanashyam Khatiwada said on Saturday that Adhikari’s party membership has been suspended pending investigations.

“In light of the seriousness of the allegations of human trafficking, we call on the government and relevant authorities to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation. Until a final decision is reached, Adhikari has been suspended from his role in all party structures, including his membership in the National Congress Council of Representatives,” Khatiwada said.

The controversy arose when Adhikari, along with three others, was sent back from Tokyo after being flagged by Japanese immigration for suspicious documents. Adhikari, who reportedly bypassed required travel protocols, later resigned from his post as minister amid growing ethical concerns.

First findings of Nepal Police to show It was revealed that each of those who allegedly produced fake passports and went to Japan with Adhikari paid Rs 1 million to attend an event in Tokyo.

adhikari left Japan was given permission to attend an event organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Municipality on October 29 without notifying the relevant authorities.

Three others accompanying him were detained by the police for investigation, but Adhikari escaped arrest by showing his minister ID. As of Saturday, he had not been arrested.

A lawyer by profession, Adhikari represents Morang Constituency 2 (B) and has served multiple terms in the state assembly.

Immediately after submitting his resignation from his post as minister, he held a press conference and claimed that he had not engaged in any illegal activity.

Meanwhile, the UML Secretariat meeting held in Kathmandu on Saturday approved the state committee’s action against Adhikari and also urged the government to conduct a fact-based and thorough investigation into the incident.