Kathmandu: Doubts have emerged regarding the impact of accusations and counter-accusations between the government and opposition parties on the investigation into the gold smuggling case. While the government has urged to expedite the ongoing investigation, opposition parties, including the CPN (UML) and other various factions, remain skeptical of the impartiality of the investigation.

In the international context, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the police has been conducting an organized investigation into the case of smuggling quintals of gold from traffickers. Amidst these concerns, the opposition, including the Nepal Communist Party(UML) led by KP Sharma Oli has demanded the formation of an independent committee for a thorough investigation, leading to the obstruction of the parliament. The opposition Rastriya Prajatantra Party has also expressed support for an unbiased investigation. Another opposition party, Rastriya Swatantra Party, has raised questions about the credibility of the impartial investigation and has demanded its involvement in the government-led probe.

During the beginning of the parliamentary session on Tuesday, lawmakers from various parties, including the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party, the Maoists, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, expressed their views on the gold smuggling case. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha suggested that a committee be formed to discuss the issue of the organized crime allegations made by the CIB and to dispel any doubts.

In the meeting, Home Minister Shrestha expressed the need for everyone’s cooperation in bringing those involved in the gold smuggling to justice. “Bringing the guilty to justice based on the investigation’s findings is the government’s primary responsibility, and no one should escape accountability,” Minister Shrestha stated. He also mentioned the need for an immediate investigation by the CIAA (Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority). A committee was established to look into the 33 kg gold case when KP Sharma Oli was the prime minister at the time. When the committee was unable to find the gold, he drew attention to the matter again. Minister Shrestha emphasized that the focus should shift towards the allegations rather than the gold itself. “The committee’s report indicates that Nepal imported between 70 to 74 tons of gold, but there is no excessive discrepancy. The focus is on the 33 kg of gold. However, there is no record of one tola or one gram being declared,” he said, “The previous audit committee was also formed, but no actions have been taken. The same mechanism (security forces) needs to be tasked for this work, and it must be trusted.”

Yogesh Bhattarai, an MP from the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), raised concerns about the agency’s credibility and demanded a high-level investigation committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the gold smuggling case, especially regarding the file found on a minister’s table. “In the past, there have been reports from the security forces indicating gold smuggling from the Tribhuvan International Airport, involving high-level officials as well,” he said.

Congress Member of Parliament Bishwaprakash Sharma raised questions about the 33-kilogram gold smuggling case, alleging that the committee formed by the CPN (UML) was disbanded under pressure and without proper investigation. He suggested that if there were any political implications, political figures should be held accountable and respected individuals from the legal field should be appointed. He emphasized the need for thorough research and reaching a conclusion.

Maoist Member of Parliament Devendra Poudel criticized the CPN (UML) for not considering the law they themself had drafted, which addressed the issue of conducting investigations outside the police force. He questioned why, during the drafting of the constitution, provisions weren’t made for separate departments such as the Police, Revenue Investigation Department, Property Clean-up Division, and National Vigilance Center.

Rashtriya Swatantra Party President Ravi Lamicchane mentioned that even though gold was confiscated from an entity at the airport, he was pleased to see that another entity was successful at SInamangal. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with not being able to find out where the gold had been concealed and stated that a sealed box was handed over without confirming where the gold was found. He raised questions about the timing of the operation, mentioning that a raid was conducted at the company after three days, and later an empty box was handed over without any gold. He inquired about the circumstances surrounding this situation.

The President of other opposition party, RPP, Rajendra Lingden, questioned the government’s stance on the formation of the investigation committee, asking what harm it would cause to the government. He added that even for the credibility of the committee, he supported its formation, dismissing concerns from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) about conducting investigations against the Home Minister, Finance Minister, Police Chief, and others. He said, “After the formation of the investigation committee, the government will not weaken. It is not just the responsibility of the opposition party to open the Parliament; the government must also cooperate. Currently, the government is not interested in opening the Parliament.”

Furthermore, facts have emerged about the involvement of powerful Maoist leader and former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara and his son Rahul being in contact with a notorious gold smuggler involved in a 9 kg gold smuggling case. There are concerns within the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) that government ministers might also be implicated in the recent gold smuggling case. According to sources, some businesspersons close to the party are also under investigation.

Former Justice of the Supreme Court, Prakash Wasti, revealed that the investigation into the gold smuggling case has influenced the proceedings and discussions of the committee, set up to look into the matter. He emphasized that to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion, there must be no interference with the judicial process. He stated, “It’s essential to ensure that investigation and prosecution go hand in hand. Denying investigation or prosecution doesn’t make sense; there’s no logical reason to think of an external mechanism if one understands or doesn’t understand – investigation should be carried out by the police themselves.”

The Department of Revenue Investigation had seized gold in Son-Saun 2 from the smuggling. In the course of the investigation, a total of 18 individuals, including three foreigners, were arrested. The Bureau entrusted with conducting investigations, including those related to organized crime, was handed over. On Monday, the Bureau, under the leadership of SP Sanjay Singh Thapa, formed a special team and initiated the investigation.

The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has expressed distrust in the investigation conducted by the police. The government also has not been able to assure the opposition parties in a neutral and non-coercive manner that the investigation will proceed fairly and without influence. This has led to suspicions that the investigation might be aimed at giving protection and shelter to the gold smugglers, and it is seen as extending its network.