The arrest of Birgunj Metropolitan City Mayor Rajesh Man Singh has pushed a long-running citizenship and document fraud case into a more serious phase, with police now moving ahead with custodial investigation after days of uncertainty over his whereabouts.
Singh was taken into custody from the Thori area of Parsa district, eight days after the Parsa District Court issued an arrest warrant against him. Police said a team deployed on the basis of specific information located and arrested the mayor before bringing him to the District Police Office in Parsa for further questioning.
The case centers on allegations that forged documents were used to present another person’s daughter as Singh’s own child, leading to the issuance of a birth registration certificate, citizenship certificate and passport.
The investigation was initiated after a complaint filed by local resident Liaqat Ali.
Arrest Came Days After Court Order
The Parsa District Court had issued an arrest warrant against Singh on Jestha 12 under provisions related to document-related offenses.
Police began searching for him after the court order. Investigators said Singh had appeared at the court once following the issuance of the warrant, but was not seen publicly afterward as the search continued.
His arrest ends days of speculation surrounding whether he would cooperate with the investigation or be brought in by law enforcement.
Four Named as Defendants
Government prosecutors had earlier filed a case against four individuals in connection with the alleged forgery.
Those named include:
- Rajesh Man Singh, Mayor of Birgunj Metropolitan City
- Rita Bhattarai, described in the case as his second wife
- Her daughter
- A registration officer
The court had granted permission for investigation under offenses related to forged documents and falsification of official records.
Focus on Official Documents
At the heart of the case are allegations that state-issued identity documents were obtained through fraudulent representations. Investigators are examining the chain of records that led from birth registration to citizenship and eventually a passport.
The case has drawn public attention not only because a sitting metropolitan mayor is involved, but also because it raises questions about how official identity documents can be issued when supporting records are disputed.
Police said questioning of Singh is ongoing and further legal procedures will proceed based on the findings of the investigation.
Possible Penalties
Under the National Penal Code, 2017, anyone found guilty of preparing forged documents or falsifying government records can face:
- Up to seven years in prison
- A fine of up to Rs 70,000
The investigation remains underway, and authorities have yet to announce their final conclusions.
