KATHMANDU: In a major development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) has seized a staggering Rs 30 million during a raid on the residence of ascetic Ram Bahadur Bamjan in Kathmandu.

The operation followed Bamjan’s arrest on Tuesday in the Budhanilkantha Hattigauda area of the capital.

Bamjan faces serious allegations, including murder, causing the disappearance of followers, and engaging in sexual assault.

The CIB, upon detaining him, conducted a thorough search of his house, leading to the confiscation of Rs 30,375,000. Additionally, various items were seized, including foreign currencies, 15 mobile phones, laptops, and over 30 pen drives.

Prior interventions involved police raids on Bamjan’s ashram in Sindhupalchok’s Indravati in Kamalamai municipality. The gravity of the accusations escalated when an 18-year-old girl from Bamjan’s ashram filed a rape complaint against him.

Identifying himself as the proponent of ‘Bodhimarg Darshanmaitri Dharma,’ Bamjan currently faces pending charges in District Court Sarlahi. Despite court orders for his appearance, Bamjan consistently evaded authorities.

Moreover, concerns arose as three young women and two young men associated with Bamjan were reported missing, intensifying the seriousness of the allegations against the self-proclaimed ascetic.