KATHMANDU: The government-formed committee investigating allegations linked to Sudan Gurung has been granted an additional five days to complete its inquiry, effective from Tuesday.
The committee had initially been given a 15-day mandate, which expired on Monday. With the extension, the panel will now conclude its work within the revised timeframe.
The committee had already recorded the statement of Gurung and conducted preliminary inquiries, including consultations with relevant stakeholders and a review of his declared property details.
The probe committee was formed by a Cabinet decision on May 11, led by former High Court judge Achyut Prasad Bhandari, with Shobhakanta Paudel and Achyutamani Neupane as members.
The investigation was triggered after Gurung came under scrutiny following the arrest of businessman Deepak Bhatta on April 2 in Kathmandu on charges related to money laundering. Bhatta remains in police custody.
Gurung was later drawn into controversy after reports surfaced linking him to Bhatta as a business partner, along with questions raised over his declared shareholdings and assets. Allegations also included undisclosed shares and investment connections in controversial business entities.
Facing growing public scrutiny, Gurung resigned from his ministerial position on April 9, stating that ethical responsibility mattered more than office. In his resignation statement, he called for an impartial investigation into the allegations against him.
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