Former maoist rebel leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara arrested in gold smuggling case

KATHMANDU: Police have arrested Krishna Bahadur Mahara, former maoist rebel leader and vice chairman of Nepal’s ruling CPN (Maoist Center), in connection with a gold smuggling case. Acting on the recommendation of a high-level probe commission, Mahara was apprehended from Pakadi in Kapilvastu.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane directed law enforcement to swiftly act against Mahara, who also served as the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Home Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, Inspector General of Police Basanta Kunwar, and head of the Central Investigation Bureau, Shyam Gyawali, instructed police to execute the commission’s recommendation promptly.

Mahara’s arrest this morning caused a stir as police heightened surveillance upon receiving information of his whereabouts. Sources indicate Mahara attempted to switch vehicles to avoid capture as he crossed Pakadi.

He claimed to be en route to Dang, but it’s suspected he planned to evade arrest by crossing the international border on a motorcycle.

The attempted escape triggered chaos, prompting swift action from law enforcement. Home Minister Lamichhane emphasized the importance of capturing Mahara upon learning of his alleged attempt to flee to India. Efforts are underway to transport Mahara from Kapilvastu to Kathmandu for further investigation.