Patna/Kathmandu: Nepalese authorities have arrested 24 South Korean nationals over allegations that they participated in religious teaching, training and promotional activities while staying in the country on tourist visas.
The arrests took place in Sundarharaicha municipality of Morang district, near the India-Nepal border. According to the district administration, all 24 foreign nationals were handed over to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu on Saturday for further investigation and possible deportation.
The case has also drawn attention to alleged contacts in Indian border areas, although the claims regarding a wider network have not yet been independently confirmed.
Authorities Investigate Activities at Religious Institution
According to Morang Assistant Chief District Officer Pawanraj Koirala, authorities received information about religious teaching, training and a graduation ceremony being conducted at Nepal New Covenant College in Ward 7 of Sundarharaicha municipality.
Following the information, the district administration and security agencies increased surveillance at the institution.
Officials subsequently suspected that some activities conducted there were inconsistent with the conditions of the visitors’ tourist visas. The 24 South Korean nationals were arrested and referred for further legal proceedings.
Love Nepal Mission President Among Those Arrested
Among those arrested was Dr Park Gui-hwan, president of the organisation known as Love Nepal Mission.
According to the available information, the organisation operates under a trust called Ratna Baptist Foundation.
The institution reportedly offers religious studies programmes at certificate, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. More than 300 students are said to be enrolled, while around 45 students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds reportedly receive hostel accommodation and religious education.
The organisation is also reported to receive financial support from Love Nepal Mission in South Korea. These details form part of the information reported about the institution; the allegations against the foreign nationals remain subject to investigation.
Possible Links With Indian Border Areas Under Scrutiny
A senior Nepal Police official associated with criminal investigation reportedly indicated that possible contacts in adjoining Indian border areas may also require examination.
According to the reported allegation, a local individual may have helped bring people from Dalit communities and economically weaker backgrounds in border areas to Nepal.
However, the alleged connections and the existence of a wider network have not been independently confirmed by the administration. Any conclusions about the involvement of individuals or organisations will depend on the findings of the investigation.
All 24 Referred to Immigration Department in Kathmandu
The Morang district administration said the 24 South Korean nationals were transferred to Kathmandu under the provisions of Nepal’s Foreign Nationals Monitoring Directive, 2075.
The Department of Immigration will examine the alleged visa violations and determine the next steps under applicable law, including whether deportation is warranted.
The investigation is expected to cover the activities conducted at the institution, the circumstances surrounding the arrests and any additional contacts identified by the authorities.
Investigation Continues
The case centres on whether the activities allegedly carried out by the foreign nationals were permitted under their tourist visas and whether further legal action is justified.
Authorities have yet to establish publicly whether the allegations extend beyond the individuals arrested and the institution under investigation.
Further action will depend on the findings of the immigration authorities and the ongoing inquiry.
