Home minister orders immediate action on gold smuggling report, officials directed to prosecute culprits

KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has issued a directive to Home Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Basanta Kunwar, and the head of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, Shyam Gyawali, to promptly execute the recommendations put forth by the Commission of Inquiry on illegal gold importation (smuggling).

The instruction mandates swift action against both civilian and police personnel implicated in the report’s findings.

Previously, a high-level commission was tasked with probing the rampant issue of gold smuggling within the nation. The commission’s investigation revealed serious lapses on the part of the CIB during the handling of gold smuggling cases.

AIG Kiran Bajracharya, who recently led the CIB, faces potential disciplinary measures as recommended by the commission for purportedly shielding individuals who should have faced prosecution.

Furthermore, the commission has advised departmental actions against SP Sanjay Singh Thapa, DSP Durga Dahal, and Rugam Kunwar, all involved in the investigation process.

Allegations suggest their involvement in the deliberate release of Jiwan Chalaune, a significant figure implicated in gold smuggling activities, after initially detaining him.

The revelation of such misconduct within law enforcement agencies underscores the necessity for stringent measures to combat the pervasive issue of gold smuggling, ensuring accountability and integrity within Nepal’s security apparatus.