KATHMANDU: The main opposition party, CPN-UML, has demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the recent gold smuggling case at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal.
During today’s National Assembly meeting, UML lawmaker Devendra Dahal urged the government to form a high-level probe committee comprising representatives from various political parties.
The objective is to ensure a fair investigation into the gold smuggling and prevent such incidents from recurring in the future, he said.
Dahal emphasized that the parliamentary probe committee, if formed, must include members from the National Assembly to enhance its credibility.
He also called for accountability from the Home Minister and Finance Minister regarding airport security and customs office integrity.
Furthermore, he urged that the respective ministers, the airport chief, and customs office employees be brought under the scope of the investigation.
The UML lawmaker raised concerns about the suspicious actions of the airport customs chief and the security chief, who were on leave during the time of the gold smuggling.
Such actions have fueled doubts about the integrity of the entire incident.
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Dahal pointed out that a significant amount of gold had been smuggled into Nepal recently, indicating that the country is becoming a transit point for gold smuggling.
Shortly after Dahal expressed his views, the UML staged a protest against the advancement of the parliament business by NA Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina.
Consequently, Timilsina announced the removal of the schedule for NA members to share their views during the zero hour.
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