Former Home Affairs and Law Minister of Koshi Province, Lilaballav Adhikari, who was arrested in Biratnagar earlier on Sunday on charges of human trafficking, has been transferred to Kathmandu for further investigation. His arrest was allowed by the court today and he was later escorted by the police to the Biratnagar airport.

Former provincial minister Adhikari has been embroiled in controversy for his alleged involvement in a human trafficking ring that recently arranged fake identification documents for three youths trying to enter Japan. Adhikari and the youth were deported by Japanese immigration authorities last week, and while they were detained on their return at Tribhuvan International Airport, Adhikari allegedly evaded investigation by using ministerial identification.

The accused former minister and three others traveled to Japan under the pretext of attending the ‘Culture at Heart’ program in Tokyo organized by Arts Council Tokyo from October 29 to November 3. Adhikari allegedly led the group with plans to exploit the event for human trafficking.

While Japanese immigration authorities refused the group due to suspicious documents, criticism arose after Adhikari avoided an immediate investigation. Evidence, including fake IDs used by his associates, has been seized by authorities and Adhikari’s signature is allegedly forged on some documents.

Adhikari admitted traveling under the influence of a trafficking ring, claiming he was unaware of the criminal nature of the arrangement until he arrived in Hong Kong. However, officials suspect he only reported the matter to Nepali authorities after Japanese immigration denied him entry. The ongoing investigation by the Kathmandu District Police has also led to the arrest of other suspects involved in the network.

Adhikari continued the trip despite warnings from Koshi provincial chief minister Hikmat Karki against unauthorized international travel.