KATHMANDU: The government has clarified that there was no need of forming a high-level probe committee to investigate the recent gold smuggling scam as an investigation into it was already underway.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma clarified that a high-level probe committee was not necessary as the Department of Revenue Investigation has started investigating the scam.

Responding to queries from media persons, she mentioned that there was no need for a high-level probe committee as the Department of Revenue Investigation under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has been carrying out investigations into the smuggling of around 100 kg of gold from Tribhuvan International Airport.

Also the spokesperson of the government, Minister Sharma urged not to cast doubt on the investigation being conducted by the Department, saying the incumbent government is moving ahead with the determination to control irregularities, corruption and smuggling.

“The Department has now been carrying out an investigation. The government is about to get to the root cause of the scam. The government has not seen the necessity of a high-level probe committee,” she shared.

Presenting the fact that high-level probe committees were not formed to investigate the incidences of gold smuggling in the past, she urged to allow the investigation being carried out by the Department to reach its conclusion.

The Government spokesperson said, “Let’s believe in the investigation carried out by the Department. Some of the people have already been arrested for investigation and the probe is underway. Such a high-level probe committee can be formed if it is required during the investigation, but it is not necessary at the moment.”

Stating that a discussion was underway to remove the obstruction of the Federal Parliament by the CPN-UML regarding the recent gold scam demanding the formation of a high-level probe committee for the investigation, she expressed the belief that the obstruction of the federal parliament would be removed soon.

Department on July 19 had seized around 100 kg of gold from Tribhuvan International Airport premises.

It has been carrying out an investigation and has arrested 18 people so far suspecting their involvement in the scam.