In Kathmandu, Nepal, on October 12, 2026, the Kathmandu District Court has instructed authorities to investigate Binita Khadka, a candidate for the Nepali Congress central committee, without holding her in police custody. This relates to a fraud case involving caregiver recruitment in Israel.
Judge Tej Bahadur Khadka stated that the current statements and complaints do not justify keeping Khadka in custody. The judge observed that testimonies from other accused individuals do not implicate the Congresswoman in the alleged crime.
Additionally, complaints from the alleged victims do not indicate that Khadka collected money or was involved in the fraud, according to the court.
Court’s Order Regarding Khadka’s Detention During Investigation
The court’s ruling directs Kathmandu police to investigate allegations that individuals misrepresented themselves as having connections with the prime minister’s adviser to facilitate travel for those who passed caregiver exams for jobs in Israel.
The investigation has revealed that these individuals deceived victims with false promises about their departure for caregiver positions in Israel, under an agreement between Nepal and Israel.
The court’s order relates specifically to Khadka’s detention during this investigation and does not imply any findings of evidence for or against her.
Five Arrested in Israel Caregiver Jobs Scam
The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested five individuals linked to the Israel caregiver jobs scam, including Binita Khadka, Bharat Prasad Chaulagain from the Nepali Congress, Balika Shiwakoti from Dolakha, Gyan Bahadur Karki, and Shivaram Shrestha.
Initially, the police investigated the case as a fraud. However, upon discovering the involvement of more individuals and the potential for a larger network, they added charges of organized crime.
With organized crime charges, the accused can be held in police custody for up to 60 days, as directed by the government. Police are also examining the roles of others involved in the fraudulent recruitment scheme.
Court’s Order Does Not Indicate Acquittal or Conviction
While the court has ordered police to investigate Khadka without custody, the inquiry into the fraudulent caregiver recruitment in Israel continues. Authorities have yet to determine the roles of those arrested and the circumstances under which victims were misled into giving money.
The false promises made by the accused have led to confusion among victims. Therefore, the court’s order emphasizes that each accused person must be evaluated based on the evidence against them.