KATHMANDU: Krishna Bahadur Mahara, the Vice Chairman of the ruling Maoist Center, who was arrested in connection with a gold smuggling case, has been transported to Kathmandu from Bhairahawa.

Mahara, also the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was apprehended from Kapilvastu by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police during their probe into the gold smuggling case.

As per police sources, Mahara was transferred from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu via aircraft.

Mahara was preparing to go to Rolpa via Rupandehi.

Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane had instructed the CIB to proceed with the investigation process against all those involved in the gold smuggling case, including Mahara.

A high-level commission of inquiry formed to investigate gold smuggling had recommended that Mahara be prosecuted.

The Commission of Inquiry on the Control of Illegal Import of Gold had recommended action against 21 people, including 9 Chinese nationals.

The commission has recommended action against 12 people, including the vice-chairman of the Maoist center, Mahara, who is also the former Speaker.

The CIB had earlier released Mahara after taking a statement in the 9 kg gold case.

Rahul, the son of former Speaker Mahara, has already been arrested by the CIB and is being investigated. It has been confirmed through the investigation that they had frequent telephone conversations with the Chinese gang involved in gold smuggling.