KATHMANDU: The government has initiated an investigation into the assets of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, collecting details of properties owned by him and his family members.
As part of the investigation, police have halted the demolition of a house within the Deuba residence complex in Budhanilkantha, citing concerns that potential evidence could be destroyed.
A complaint had previously been filed with the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, accusing the Deuba family of amassing illegal wealth through the misuse of political power. Sources indicate that the investigation has progressed further, building on previously gathered evidence and documentation.
According to sources within the Home Ministry and Nepal Police, authorities have collected details of approximately 73 ropanis of land purchased over the past one and a half years by Jaybir Deuba and his close associates.
Investigators are also examining financial transactions linked to Jaybir Deuba and others, including dealings involving Sher Bahadur Deuba’s relatives, Pradeep Shumsher Rana and Bhushan Rana, the source added.
A source at the Department of Money Laundering Investigation stated that a complaint is also being reviewed regarding Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba’s alleged involvement in the fake Bhutanese refugee case, as well as transactions following a controversial decision by then Communications Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal in the Nepal Telecom billing irregularities case.
“In this context, demolition work at the Deuba residence in Budhanilkantha has been stopped,” the source said. The Deuba family had constructed two bungalows within their Budhanilkantha compound, which were already under scrutiny. During the Gen-Z movement, the residence was attacked and partially set on fire.
In recent days, workers had been engaged in demolishing the damaged structure on the family’s instructions. However, police officials confirmed that the demolition has now been halted following directives from senior authorities, amid concerns that it could hinder the investigation and lead to the loss of crucial evidence.
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