KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed an impartial investigation into reports that individuals outside the official government delegation accompanied Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on his recent visit to Spain.

On Monday morning, Minister Lekhak instructed Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi and Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa to launch a probe into the matter.

“I have instructed an investigation into who went to Spain apart from the Prime Minister’s official delegation, through what process and institutions they traveled,” said Lekhak. “The investigation will also look into who arranged the visit visas and travel logistics.”

He said the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau of the Nepal Police will be deployed for a detailed inquiry.

Lekhak affirmed that anyone found guilty would face legal action. Prime Minister Oli had visited Spain on June 28.Reports have emerged that dozens of individuals were charged between NPR 1 to 1.5 million each under the pretext of attending events involving the Prime Minister.

The controversy intensified after it was revealed that some of those taken to Spain have gone into hiding there, allegedly with indirect links to the Prime Minister’s name being used to facilitate the travel.