KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 5
Nepal Police today questioned Dipesh Pun, the son of former vice-president Nanda Kishor Pun, for over three hours regarding his possible connection with a recent gold smuggling case.
The Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police called Pun to the police station to record his statement. Police, suspect that he worked as an accomplice to Dawa Tsering, a Belgian citizen of Chinese origin, a top level person who has been arrested in connection with the 61 kg gold smuggling scam.
Photographs of Dawa Tsering with the family of former vice-president Pun have been circulated widely on social media. Similarly, Pun taking Tsering for a helicopter ride to Gosaikunda, a famous high altitude religious site, was also made public some time ago.
Video of Juna Pun, daughter in law of the veep, putting Bhaitika on Dawa during Tihar was also circulated in social media.
Pun's family, however, has refuted allegation of involvement in foul play and claims it is being targeted to derail the government's crusade against corruption.
Dawa, who runs businesses in Nepal and has been living here for over a decade, was arrested on July 30 from Thamel.
A Police source told THT that Dipesh's arrest was followed by revelation of important documents which proved his connection with the racket operated by Dawa and his relationship went beyond family ties.
On July 18, a team of the Department of Revenue Investigation confiscated 155 kg motorbike brake shoes that concealed gold. Later, it was ascertained that the net weight of the gold inside the brake shoes was actually 61 kilograms.
So far, 27 people have been arrested in the case. Police have also arrested Rahul Mahara, son of CPN-MC vicechair and former speaker of the House of Representatives.
A version of this article appears in the print on September 06, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
