KATHMANDU: The Vice President of Nepali Congress and former Law Minister Dhanraj Gurung faces allegations of defrauding cooperative funds.
This development comes as a parliamentary committee, led by CPN-UML MP Surya Bahadur Thapa, investigates the embezzlement of funds across 29 cooperatives nationwide.
A formal complaint has been lodged with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police, seeking an investigation into the alleged cooperative fraud involving Gurung.
The complaint was filed by Kumbharaj Gurung, chairman of the Lalitpur-based Miteri Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, concerning the non-payment of funds.
Additionally, a complaint has been submitted to the parliamentary inquiry special committee, which was established to address issues related to cooperatives.
The accusations also involve Jyoti Gurung, Dhanraj’s former spouse, who, along with Dhanraj, was implicated in the misappropriation of Miteri Savings and Loan Cooperative Society’s funds. Jyoti is currently absconding.
Reports indicate that Jyoti and Dhanraj divorced four years ago, a separation that may have been influenced by concerns over the alleged misappropriation of cooperative funds.
A member of the investigation committee revealed that efforts are underway to compel Dhanraj Gurung to provide a statement, while Jyoti remains reportedly in hiding abroad.
In a brief conversation with Khabarhub, NC Vice President Gurung refuted the accusations and called for a thorough and impartial investigation.
He also clarified that his relationship with Jyoti ended five years ago and suggested that the dissolution might have been influenced by the controversy surrounding the cooperative funds.
Gurung further alleged that Jyoti and Kumbharaj Gurung had fabricated multiple complaints and petitions to entrap him.
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