Former minister for internal affairs and law of Koshi Province, Lilaballav Adhikari, who was arrested earlier on Sunday in Biratnagar over allegations of human trafficking, has been transferred to Kathmandu for further investigation. His arrest was allowed by the court today, and he was subsequently escorted to Biratnagar Airport by police.

The former provincial minister, Adhikari, landed in controversy for his alleged involvement with a human trafficking ring that recently arranged fake identification documents for three young men attempting to enter Japan. Adhikari and the youths were deported by Japanese immigration authorities last week, and while they were detained upon their return at Tribhuvan International Airport, Adhikari reportedly evaded investigation by using his ministerial identification.

The accused ex-minister and three others had travelled to Japan under the pretext of attending the "Culture at Heart" programme in Tokyo, organised by Arts Council Tokyo from October 29 to November 3. It is alleged that Adhikari led the group with plans to exploit the event for human trafficking.

While Japanese immigration authorities turned the group away due to suspicious documents, criticism arose after Adhikari avoided immediate investigation. Evidence, including fake identification papers used by his associates, has since been seized by authorities, with Adhikari’s signature purportedly forged on some documents.

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

Adhikari had proceeded with the trip despite warnings from Koshi Province’s Chief Minister Hikmat Karki against the unauthorised international travel.