KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Balen Shah has sought a written clarification from Home Minister Sudan Gurung over allegations related to his financial disclosures and alleged links with a controversial businessman, sources have said.
Gurung has been questioned for reportedly failing to fully disclose details of share purchases in his property statement and for his alleged association with businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is currently in police custody on money laundering charges.
The Home Minister had earlier issued a public clarification stating that the shares were purchased using borrowed funds. His secretariat has confirmed that a written explanation has now been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office.
According to the Prime Minister’s secretariat, concerns were raised regarding the share transactions linked to companies associated with Bhatta, prompting the request for clarification. The Home Minister’s secretariat stated that the written response was submitted at around 6 pm on Monday.
In his explanation, Gurung reiterated that his investments were made through loans, although questions continue to be raised about the source and disclosure of the funds. He also named two companies involved in the transactions, which had not been previously declared in his asset statement and came to light following media reports.
Despite the clarification, several aspects of the matter remain under scrutiny, with critics pointing to gaps in disclosure and unanswered questions regarding the share investments worth millions.
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