Kathmandu, February 20

Minister of Home Affair Ram Bahadur Thapa today told the National Assembly, the Upper House of the Parliament, that the government had succeeded in dismantling the network of gold smugglers. He said the network had spread its tentacles from Nepal to Dubai and Thailand.

“The network of smugglers involved in smuggling  33kg gold was  dismantled but smugglers may have found a new route and the government is trying to destroy that route as well,” Minister Thapa said, adding, “The investors of the network will be brought to justice sooner or later.”

Lawmakers Brikhesh Chandra Lal and Sarita Prasain had asked the home minister what action the government had taken against gold smugglers.

He also said that the government had taken action against the police officer who botched up the investigation in Nirmala Panta rape and murder case. “We have sacked them. If found guilty, they will be punished as per the criminal code,” Minister Thapa said.

Lawmakers Ram Narayan Bidari and Anita Devkota had asked the home minister to inform the people about progress in the investigation into Nirmala Panta’s rape and murder.

Minister Thapa also said the syndicate in transport sector would not be backed by law. “The syndicate system has already been dismantled and now the government only needs to manage the transport sector. A new law is being drafted to regulate the transport sector,” Minister Thapa said.

Minister Thapa also claimed that investigation into the murder of former ambassador Keshav Raj Jha’s murder was under way. “The government has been successful in maintaining peace and security in the country,” he added.

Prior to this, NA member Komal Oli had demanded investigation into the alleged abuse of nuns by Ram Bahadur Bamjan, a self-styled godman.

Others members present in the meeting drew the government’s attention to growing cases of violence and murder in the country.  Lawmaker Brishesh Chandra Lal stressed on the need for completing the Melamchi Water Supply Project at any cost.