Probe eportedly opened against ex-PMs Deuba, Oli and Dahal
KATHMANDU, MARCH 29
Former minister and Nepali Congress leader Deepak Khadka was arrested today in connection with a money laundering investigation. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced claiming that three former prime ministers - KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal - are also under investigation in a similar case.
Khadka has been taken into custody for investigation into a money laundering case, confirmed Central Investigation Bureau spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Shiva Kumar Shrestha. Home Minister Sudan Gurung made the arrest warrant public via Facebook. In his post, Gurung stated that former energy minister Khadka had been taken into custody as part of an investigation into money seized from his residence during the Gen Z protests on September 9.
The arrest warrant states that Khadka must be detained immediately in connection with the money laundering investigation.
Although reports have circulated regarding investigations involving former prime ministers Deuba, Oli and Dahal, no official confirmation has been issued. The Himalayan Times contacted the Department of Money Laundering Investigation to verify whether such probes had been initiated.
Jitendra Adhikari, director and information officer of the department, said - without naming individuals - that the case related to the burning of money is already under investigation. "It is confirmed that Deepak Khadka has been arrested on grounds related to money laundering. However, it remains unclear whether the arrest followed a direct recommendation from the department, as details of the investigation are internal," he said.
According to Adhikari, the department has received complaints or information regarding alleged money laundering involving three former prime ministers. "The information leading to these inquiries was likely received around one to one-and-a-half months after the Gen Z movement," he said.
A preliminary investigation has been initiated based on these complaints and is currently ongoing. Adhikari noted that he does not have access to real-time updates or detailed findings while the investigation is in progress.
"Internal mechanisms prevent the sharing of specific details, including evidence and progress, until the inquiry is formally concluded," he said. "While a result is expected, there is no fixed timeline for completion."
The department has also reportedly written to the CIB, requesting an investigation into the assets and sources of income of the three former prime ministers.
During the Gen Z protests, the homes of the three leaders were targeted, with incidents of arson reported. Videos and images circulated on social media claiming that cash was burned at the residences of Deuba in Budhanilkantha and Dahal in Chitwan.
Deuba has denied the claims, describing the footage as "AI-generated." However, some media outlets have reported recovering partially burnt US dollar notes and Nepali currency from the site of his residence.
Following the arson attack on Bhadra 24 (September 9), police halted demolition work at Deuba's residence and removed workers from the site. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation had collected and secured the burnt cash recovered from the premises.
