Kathmandu, 01 April (H.S.):
The newly formed Balendra Shah government in Nepal is gearing up for a sweeping investigation into assets of political leaders, senior bureaucrats, and politically appointed officials holding public office since democracy's restoration in 1990. This anti-corruption drive—seen as pivotal for governance reform—could encompass ~10,000 individuals including ex-prime ministers, ministers, lawmakers, and civil servants.
A high-level asset investigation committee with finance, revenue, law, and probe experts will form within 15 days, proceeding in phases: Phase 1 (2006 People's Movement-present); Phase 2 (1990-2005).
High-Profile Targets and Reopened Cases
Nepal Police's Central Investigation Bureau, per Additional IGP Dr. Manoj KC, has begun probes based on money laundering intel, targeting ex-PMs like Sher Bahadur Deuba, KP Sharma Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal; ex-minister Arzu Rana Deuba; and arrested ex-minister Deepak Khadka. Families, aides, and brokers also in scope.
Government signals reinvestigation of scandals: wide-body aircraft procurement, Lalita Niwas land grab, fake Bhutanese refugees, gold smuggling, Sudan scam, tax fiddling, Teramax system, security press deal, Melamchi project.
Public Demand Drives Initiative
Responding to youth-led anti-corruption calls (echoing 2018 demands), Government Spokesperson Sasmith Pokhrel expects resource misuse identification, corruption curbs, and restored public trust in institutions. This historic probe aims at systemic reset since 1990.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
