Gold smuggling case: Krishna Bahadur Mahara, the Vice Chairman of the Maoist Center, has been reassigned to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police after his apprehension.
Initial reports suggest Mahara was directly transferred to the CIB from Tribhuvan International Airport.
Mahara’s detainment in Rupandehi pertains to a case concerning the illegal transportation of 60 kilograms of gold.
Sources indicate he was apprehended while residing at a lawyer’s residence.
Mahara, also a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was airlifted to Kathmandu via a Yeti Airlines aircraft, facing grave accusations.
According to police sources, Mahara was flown from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu.
Mahara was reportedly en route to Rolpa via Rupandehi.
Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane directed the CIB to diligently investigate all suspects involved in the gold smuggling case, including Mahara.
A high-level inquiry commission tasked with probing gold smuggling recommended Mahara’s prosecution.
The Commission on the Control of Illegal Gold Imports recommended punitive measures against 21 individuals, including 9 Chinese nationals.
The commission advised action against 12 individuals, among them the Maoist Center’s Vice Chairman, Mahara, who also served as the former Speaker.
Mahara was previously released by the CIB after providing a statement regarding the 9 kg gold case.
Rahul, Mahara’s son and former Speaker, has also been apprehended by the CIB and is under scrutiny. Investigations have revealed their frequent communication with the Chinese syndicate involved in gold smuggling.
