Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Tuesday ensured a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of former House Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara and his son Rahul in illegal import of gold to Nepal.
Speaking to journalists at Baluwatar, Dahal said he has already directed concerned authorities to investigate Mahara’s alleged connection to the illicit import of gold into Nepal.
“Following my instructions, the concerned authorities will initiate the investigation by tomorrow,” Dahal said.
Recent media reports have shown Mahara and his son Rahul Mahara’s involvement in a case of gold smuggling, which involved collusion with personnel at the customs office of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Also, a report submitted by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police to the government attorney’s office shows Krishna Bahadur Mahara and his son had been in communication with staff from the customs department on multiple occasions. The report says that the father-son duo exerted pressure on these customs officials to release the gold hidden in e-cigarettes.
The CIB report contains call records involving the Mahara family, the Chinese nationals associated with the gold import, and other relevant contacts linked to the ongoing case. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, however, has consistently denied any involvement in any illicit activities, maintaining his innocence in the matter.
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