Parties Form Three-Member Task Force Amidst Controversy Over Gold Smuggling Investigation

Nepal’s major political parties have reached an agreement to establish a three-member working group to facilitate the formation of a high-level investigation committee to probe organized, international, and criminal gold smuggling. The decision was made in response to the persistent demands of the main opposition party, CPN-UML, which has called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. This move follows a marathon meeting that took place at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers office at Singhdarbar lasting nearly three hours.

The working group, comprised of UML Parliamentary Party Deputy Leader Subas Nembang, Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lakhtar, and Maoist Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey, is tasked with preparing the necessary procedures for the establishment of the high-level investigation committee. The committee is expected to delve into the intricate details of the gold smuggling case, shedding light on potential revenue evasion and organized crime.

“We have strongly advocated for the formation of a high-level investigation committee to delve into the gold case,” stated UML Whip Padam Giri. “The ruling party has nearly agreed to this demand. The esteemed Subas Nembang, Hitraj Pandey, and Ramesh Shakhtar have been designated to form the working group, and they will meet tomorrow to finalize the terms of reference.”

The ongoing obstruction of the parliament, initiated by CPN-UML since July, has been discussed during these meetings. The controversial gold smuggling case, involving a recovery of gold from Sinamangal on July 3 after customs clearance from Tribhuvan airport, has ignited debates regarding the most suitable body to investigate the matter. While UML has pressed for a high-level investigation committee to examine the involvement of Home Minister and Finance Minister, the government has argued that the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police is better equipped to carry out the investigation.

The decision to form the working group demonstrates a compromise between the ruling and opposition parties, highlighting the complexity of the issue at hand. As the nation anticipates further developments, the formation of the high-level investigation committee looms as a significant step toward uncovering the truth behind the alleged gold smuggling operation.