Former Speaker Mahara’s Son Among Three Recommended for Prosecution

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the police has recommended the prosecution of three individuals, including Rahul Mahara, the son of former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, in connection with an illegal gold smuggling case involving electronic cigarettes (vape).

The CIB has submitted a report to the district attorney’s office, suggesting the prosecution of Rahul Mahara, a Belgian citizen of Tibetan origin named Dawa Chhiring, and driver Lokendra Paudel. Additionally, Chinese citizen Dawajin Wang, who is implicated in the gold smuggling case, has also been recommended for prosecution. Dawa Chhiring, associated with a separate 61 kg gold case, is presently in custody.

One Nepalese individual has been placed on the fugitive list, while six Chinese nationals, including Dawajin, are wanted based on the investigation conducted during their arrest in Nepal.

The police have recommended proceeding with the case against the defendants in the vape smuggling incident, along with a fine of NPR 85.55 million and 28,374 rupees.

The case dates back to December 25, 2022, when 9 kg 11.524 grams of gold were discovered concealed in a vape belonging to Dawajin and another Chinese citizen arriving from Dubai. The airport customs office seized the item suspecting it to be suspicious.

Former Speaker Mahara and his son Rahul attempted to have the vape released, with Mahara making 256 calls in an attempt to dispose of the gold. The gold was later confiscated by customs and investigated by the CIB. Although a case was filed on July 12, there had been no prior investigation into the group responsible for bringing the gold. In this case, the police have taken the statement of former Speaker Mahara.

The investigation continues as authorities work towards bringing the perpetrators to justice.

For more updates, stay tuned.