Biratnagar, November 10
Former Minister of Koshi Province, Lila Ballav Adhikari, was arrested on Sunday from his residence in Biratnagar. Sources indicate that the arrest was made at the request of the Kathmandu District Police Office. Authorities plan to transport him to Kathmandu by plane this afternoon.
Koshi Province DIG Chandrakuber Khapung confirmed Adhikari’s transfer to Kathmandu. Adhikari, who previously served as the Minister of Internal Affairs for Koshi Province, is facing human trafficking allegations. He reportedly traveled to Japan without the necessary approval from the Council of Ministers, accompanied by three others. Japanese immigration authorities denied his entry and sent him back from the airport.
Following public backlash over his alleged involvement in a human trafficking scheme, Adhikari resigned from his ministerial post. On Saturday, the UML Koshi Province Committee suspended him as a National Representative Council member and party affiliate, a decision later approved by the party’s secretariat meeting. Police have also detained the individuals who traveled with Adhikari to Japan as part of an ongoing investigation.
Adhikari, however, claims he is being falsely accused and has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
