KATHMANDU: The ruling coalition has decided to launch an immediate investigation into the purchase and sale activities of private telecommunications entity Ncell, deeming them suspicious and potentially fraudulent.
During a meeting convened by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ at Baluwatar, consensus was reached among coalition leaders to thoroughly probe the foreign transactions involving Ncell within the ruling alliance.
Prime Minister Dahal personally engaged with Ncell’s Nepali representative and later discussed the matter with coalition leaders. Subsequently, he directed government officials to conduct a comprehensive study and investigation into the Ncell purchase and sale.
CPN-Maoist Center Vice Chairman Agni Prasad Sapkota highlighted the coalition’s commitment to examining these transactions in the nation’s best interest. He emphasized the Ncell’s unnatural overseas dealings, prompting the coalition’s resolve to delve deeper into the matter.
Nepali Congress (NC) chief whip, Ramesh Lekhak, underscored the legal complexities surrounding the Ncell transactions, suggesting that the acquisitions didn’t align with Nepal’s regulatory requirements. He stressed the urgency of an immediate governmental investigation into these questionable share dealings.
Leaders from various political factions echoed the prime minister’s stance, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for a meticulous inquiry, aligning with Nepal’s legal framework and national interests.
The high-stakes meeting saw the participation of senior political leaders including former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Madhav Kumar Nepal, Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat, among others, along with representatives from various political parties.
To gather insights, the Prime Minister also engaged departmental staff to gain clarity on the intricate technical and legal aspects of Ncell’s transactions. Revelations emerged suggesting potential tax evasion amounting to a substantial sum.
The collective resolve of the government and the coalition underscores their seriousness in addressing this issue and conducting a thorough investigation under Nepal’s legal statutes and national welfare.
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