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It is a public secret that several white collar bigwigs enjoyed a free run in the corridors of power under the previous regime, thanks to the ready patronage of the big boss at the time.

They got the jitters when they found a pro-Maithri wave sweeping across the country with the January 8 big poll drawing closer. Plagued by their guilty conscience, what really frightened them were the ominous signals pointing to retribution to come and rushed to parts unknown on the eve of the poll or soon after the poll.

It has now come to light that some of these white collar fugitives have found a safe haven in an East Asian city, well-known for Buddhist temples and red light enclaves.  

One is said to be a top bureaucrat branded as the ‘economic hit-man’ of the previous regime. A former police chief with a haunting past is also said to be holed up in the same city, they say.

Two politicos discussing the flight of the onetime highflyers when asked: “Why did they seek refuge in a place yet to recover from a political upheaval?”
The other known for his wisecracks quipped: “These chaps have been so used to a dictator-like-master, they must be feeling more at home where depots and military juntas rule the roost!”