In a major development, a high-level government commission in Nepal has concluded a five-month investigation into a massive 61 kg gold smuggling case, exposing a complex web of illicit activity and raising questions about political involvement.
The commission, led by retired judge Dilli Raj Acharya, submitted its report to Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane on Thursday. The probe, initially slated for three months, was extended twice due to the case’s intricate nature. Investigators interviewed numerous individuals, including political figures and businessmen, to untangle the smuggling network.
The report details the involvement of key players and exposes potential vulnerabilities in airport security. Authorities continue to grapple with gold smuggling, often cleverly disguised in everyday items like electronic cigarettes. This ongoing challenge necessitates stricter measures and prosecution of those responsible.
Adding a layer of controversy, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, a prominent figure in the CPN (Maoist Center) party, faces scrutiny. While not formally charged, his son Rahul remains in custody awaiting trial for his alleged connection to the smuggling ring. Furthermore, the investigation uncovered links between Jhalakram Adhikari, the former director general of Tribhuvan International Airport’s immigration department, and the smuggled gold.
The probe has reignited public interest in Mahara’s past controversies, particularly his suspected ties to Chinese interests. A leaked 2013 (BS 2067) audio recording allegedly captured Mahara requesting a significant sum from a Chinese businessman, supposedly to influence a prime ministerial election. This revelation adds another dimension to the investigation, raising concerns about potentially questionable political and financial dealings.
As the government reviews the commission’s report, the public awaits decisive action. The illicit gold trade undermines Nepal’s economic integrity, and the nation craves solutions to address the interconnected issues of corruption and accountability within its political system.
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