KATHMANDU: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the police has officially interrogated Bhimkant Bhandari, the proprietor of the controversial BIDH Lab for his alleged connection with the 60 kg gold smuggling.

The high-stakes interrogation took place during the early hours of Sunday morning, as the CIB sought crucial information from Bhandari, who has come under intense scrutiny due to his alleged connections with Chinese gold smuggling networks.

Sources within the CIB have confirmed that the process of extracting vital statements from Bhandari is still underway.

This move by the CIB follows the summons issued to Bhimkant Bhandari on Sunday, in light of mounting evidence indicating that he had maintained unusual mobile contacts and exchanged messages with Dawa Chiring, a Belgian national of Tibetan descent, who stands accused in the gold smuggling case.

The CIB had initially asked Bhandari’s presence on Saturday evening, but he ultimately presented himself for questioning at 9:30 am on Sunday.

It is worth noting that Bhimkant Bhandari is not only embroiled in the gold smuggling scandal but also faces charges of corruption that have been filed in Special Court.

The CIB had been closely monitoring his activities following the revelation of his connection with Dawa Chiring, a key figure implicated in the high-profile gold smuggling operation.