Kathmandu, March 31 -- The Department of Immigration has placed controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta on its watchlist, effectively barring him from international travel as a detailed investigation into alleged money laundering offences gathers pace.

The move, executed on Monday, follows a formal request from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI). Officials from both departments confirmed the restriction, noting that the measure was necessary to prevent Bhatta from leaving the territorial jurisdiction during the high-stakes probe.

"Bhatta was blacklisted following the commencement of a detailed investigation into money laundering offences," a senior official told The Post. "The decision was prompted by a perceived ri...