Implementing the report's recommendations will be a daunting task due to collusion of power centres
KATHMANDU, MARCH 15
After reviewing the commission's report on gold smuggling, the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal today to discuss action to be taken against those involved, and implementing the report's recommendations.
Lamichhane also immediately summoned Inspector General of Nepal Police Basanta Kunwar and met with him to discuss the report's execution at his chamber in Singha Durbar.
A high-level probe commission on gold smuggling led by former High Court Judge Dilli Raj Acharya submitted a report to Home Minister Lamichanne on Thursday morning, following a five-and-a-half-month investigation.
After receiving the report at the ministry on Thursday morning, Minister Lamichhane promised to take action against the perpetrators and implement the suggested measures for improvement.
He stated that action would be taken against agencies and individuals who commit any type of weakness, and that those who previously assisted in granting impunity will also face legal consequences.
The commission was formed on October 2 after the then-major opposition party, the CPN-UML, repeatedly stalled the Lower House proceedings, demanding the formation of a high-level probe commission to investigate the gold smuggling case. Recently, the UML had backed the government led by CPN-MC chair and Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal.
The Commission looked into those who were exempt from the police's Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) investigation. Dilli Raj Acharya, Chairperson of the Commission, stated that some of those who were untouched by the police action were recommended for prosecution, while others were recommended for departmental action.
Furthermore, the report includes a list of people who are frequently seen in the CDR (Call Detailed Report)/DFL (Digital Forensic Lab), as well as the names of those who have been found innocent.
Lamichhane reviewed the report as well as the commission's briefing. According to Acharya, the issues compiled and measures recommended in the 485 pages report were briefed to Lamichhane.
Over the course of five and a half months, field inspections of nine customs checkpoints, 61 interviews, and consultations with 68 experts were conducted in order to prepare the report.
The commission was assigned the duty of looking into cases of gold being smuggled into motorcycle brake shoes and electronic cigarettes.
The commission was also required to suggest changes to current legislation and improve investigative procedures with the goal of reducing smuggling. The body was given the task of reviewing investigation reports pertaining to cases of smuggling and conducting additional research as needed. The commission was initially given three months to research the matter and write a report. But later, its term was extended until mid-March.
On the other hand, it is said that prosecution will be difficult due to collusion between high-profile individuals and various power centres in gold smuggling.
Various media outlets have also reported that members of the political family have been involved in gold smuggling, with a trend toward impunity. Recently, a video went viral of the former vice president,
Nand Bahadur Pun's son, Jitendra Pun, signing a gold smuggling deal with Chinese people.
Home Minister Lamichhane has stated that anyone found to be involved in gold smuggling will face legal consequences.
