A group of noted civil society members have issued a joint notice demanding an independent investigation into the fake Bhutanese refugee scam and bringing all the guilty to book.

Former chief justice Anup Raj Sharma, former justice Balaram KC, former vice-chancellor of Tribhuvan University Kedar Bhakta Mathema, former chief election commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokharel, historian Tri Ratna Manandhar and rights activist Mohna Ansari have signed the letter.

The joint letter mentions that the authorities’ negligence has grown concerns amongst the general public.

“The general people were hopeful that the authorities would not be influenced by anyone and bring all the guilty to justice. However, the latest news reports about the scam being investigated like other cases in the past have raised concerns,” reads the notice.

They warned that the government and the authorities would be responsible for any troubles that may arise as a result of negligence.