Koshi Province’s Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Lila Ballav Adhikari has resigned from the post after he landed in controversy over his visit to Japan without permission or prior notification.

Bikram Luintel, the press adviser to Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki, said he had to step down due to the controversy.

Luintel said ministers must obtain approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Office of the Chief Minister and Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers before travelling abroad.

Adhikari reportedly departed for Japan on October 29 without informing the authorities concerned to attend an event organised by the Tokyo Metropolitan.

Adhikari, however, has claimed that he travelled to Japan on a private visit.