Dhurba Dangal

Police has arrested a man involved in providing Nepali citizenship illegally to a Tibetan refugee woman in Sindhupalchowk district by posing as her brother.

Police detained Wangdorji Lama of Sindukot VDC-9 from his home on Saturday after being on the run for nearly two months.

Police said Wangdorji had testified at the district Administration Office in August to be the brother of the Tibetan woman Pema Lama. Until then Pema had been living in Kathmandu as a refugee.

As soon as the scam surfaced, police had filed charges against seven people, including VDC secretary Nawaraj Sen and four others who acted as witnesses to testify in writing that Pema was indeed the sister of Wangdorji. Except for VDC Secretary Sen, six other, including Pema, absconded hampering further investigation into the matter.

“As we have arrested the main accused, we can go forward on the case in full swing,” said chief of district police DSP Pratap Kumar Gurung. The accused if found guilty will be charged according to Citizenship act 2006 and could face prison term of 1to 5 years or fined Rs 50,000 to Rs 10,000,0 or both if found guilty by court, said Gurung.

Chief Assistant District Officer Omkar Neupane had signed Pema´s citizenship card (no. 24-01-69-02292) as VDC secretary Sen had recommended citizenship to her on the basis of credentials placed before him.

“Looking at the case we can clearly see the direct involvement of the VDC secretary,” said DSP Gurung. “Moreover, the investigation is revealing his intentions although he claims it was just a mistake,” added DSP Gurung.

“We have handed over Sen to District Development Office (DDC) restricting him from leaving the district,” said Gurung.

Published on: 29 October 2012 | Republica