Kathmandu: The government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki has begun internal discussions on suspending the passports of senior leaders implicated in the suppression of the Gen-Z movement and under investigation for corruption and money laundering.
According to sources, passports of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak are being considered for suspension. Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, his wife Arzu Rana Deuba, and Maoist Centre Chair and ex-PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ are reportedly under close scrutiny. However, no official suspension has yet been announced.
Sources claim Deuba and Arzu received new passports on September 19 after their documents were presumed destroyed in the Budhanilkantha arson attack on their residence on September 9. The couple allegedly obtained Thai visas soon after receiving the new passports, triggering government concern.
Meanwhile, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) has launched probes into the wealth of Deuba, Arzu, former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, and Dahal. Officials have collected burnt cash fragments, ashes, and video evidence from their fire-damaged residences, now sent to police forensic labs. Investigations began after viral videos showed large stashes of money burning during the protests.
The accused leaders face allegations of illicit wealth accumulation, abuse of office, and links with underground networks. Khadka is accused of misusing his ministerial position for personal gain, while Dahal faces long-standing accusations tied to cantonment corruption.
Under Nepal’s anti-money laundering laws, if unlawful wealth is proven, corruption charges may follow; if evidence remains inconclusive, files will still be forwarded to the CIAA for action.
The unfolding investigations, combined with potential passport suspensions, have stirred ripples in political circles. Analysts suggest leaders could be in legal jeopardy if they fail to justify the source of their assets.
Reacting to the developments, Dahal alleged a conspiracy: “Under the pretext of anti-corruption, there are regressive attempts to jail democratic leaders, annul the constitution, impose bans on political parties, and manipulate elections through puppet figures,” he warned in a Central Committee meeting.
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