Kathmandu: The bank account of the Non-Residential Nepali Association (NRNA) has been frozen. The association had been operating accounts in seven banks, including Sanima Bank and Machhapuchchhre Bank, which have now been restricted.

The association declared Badri KC as the winner of the election held in October with modifications in the voting system. However, the opposing factions led by Chairman Rajendrakumar Sharma (RK) and Mahesh Shrestha rejected the results. Serious issues were observed in the election where zero votes were seen in the ballot cast in Kathmandu for Vice Chairman candidate Keshav Paudel. After 15 days of investigation based on this, an agreement was reached to move forward, but Badri KC’s group rejected the agreement and conflict persists within the organization.

After the election, Badri KC’s group held a meeting at Hotel Himalaya. The then Presidents, Kul Acharya and Ravina Thapa, called a meeting at Hotel Himalaya to conclude the conference. During the meeting, Bheela, under Badri Sharma’s leadership, elected a new executive committee lawfully. Subsequently, disputes arose within NRNA.

According to the constitution of NRNA, the organization must be renewed every 10 years. However, due to the dispute in the bank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not renewed it yet. The Ministry has formed a probe committee, and before that, the Home Ministry has sent the report of irregularities in the election to the Foreign Ministry.

As per the official of the bank that froze the account, the pressure was applied by Badri KC’s group when their demands were not met. He mentioned that, despite the bank’s request for customer identification (KYC) updates, as per the Asset Clarification Act 2064, and renewal of the institution, Badri KC’s group threatened to run the system even if KYC was not done.

Lok Prasad Dahal and Sunil Shah, the former Treasurer of NRNA, claimed the expenses made by the bank from their account, stating that although they were inactive, the amount should be given to Badri KC’s group. Dahal informed that he has received threats from Badri KC’s group, and even though they were non-residential Nepalis, they have enjoyed financial benefits like a private company, spending on personal expenses, and carrying out actions without accountability.