Punish Scammers

Bini Dahal

A massive disclosure about the alleged involvement of many high-profile politicians and bureaucrats in cheating Nepalis by assuring them of sending to the United States of America (USA) as fake Bhutanese refugees has rattled the political and bureaucratic circles. Such politicians and officials have been found joining hands with other middlemen to commit a scam. Apparently, common Nepalis were being scammed into believing that they would reach America by becoming fake Bhutanese refugees. For this, gullible people have paid hundreds of thousands of rupees to the middlemen.

This incident has come off as a shock for many and has slandered the reputation of the country in the international arena. What is more astonishing is that former home minister Bal Krishna Khand is among one dozen arrestees. They have been detained for their strong link to the scam. Reports show that around 875 people have been swindled over the past six years. 

To give a background to the incident, it was in the 1990s when Bhutanese of Nepali origin began arriving in the country with the atrocities of the Bhutanese government. Arrangements were made for them to stay in various camps in Jhapa and Morang districts. As the efforts being made to repatriate them to their motherland — Bhutan — failed, the USA, Canada, Australia and some other developed countries came up with a plan to help resettle the refugees. This way, a huge number of refugees got the opportunity to settle and lead a new life abroad. 

Taking advantage of this provision, a racket started working together with high-level officials and politicians to start a new illegal business — sending Nepalis abroad as fake Bhutanese refugees. This incident is a huge reflection of our failed system. It sheds light on the state of corruption and utter misuse of power among the so-called nation builders. It is pathetic indeed and showcases how ministries have been used by interest groups to destroy the lives of people.

A fair investigation has to be done at all cost. The police might have to face a lot of external pressure but it should not falter from its job. As an independent organ, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) is required to play a key role in investigating the case and bringing the culprits to justice. This should be a big lesson for other people and those in high positions that in no way can they misuse their power for personal gain and cause suffering to the innocent.

The issue is with everyone.  When corrupt persons are in high positions, they naturally try to take advantage of legal loopholes. But we, as general public, too are at fault in some part. We feel, if everyone is doing and if it can be done through a legitimate route, why not? This way, by believing that we will be able to reap the benefit from the existing loopholes, we take the alternative but the wrong path. 

As long as our system and governance is not strong and transparent, we will continue to hear these kinds of incident time and again. To fight against this, we have to go in depth. We have to focus on strengthening the system. If unemployment is causing people to opt for a wrong way, why not solve that first? If there are problems with laws, why not identify and get rid of the termites that are causing damage to the whole structure? We know the difference between what is right and what is wrong. We should also have the guts to punish the wrongdoers. This has to be engraved in our system for a change.