KATHMANDU: In a startling revelation, the alleged team of Min Ghale, apprehended in connection with 14 kg of gold smuggled from Dubai to Nepal, is now implicated in smuggling a staggering 138 kg of gold.
The investigation committee, tasked with delving into the case, disclosed this shocking information in its report submitted on Sunday.
The comprehensive report asserts that Min Ghale, in collaboration with Chandra Ghale and Krishna Kumar Shrestha, has been involved in a persistent pattern of smuggling gold into Nepal. The illicit operation, apparently orchestrated by Min Ghale, included communication with an individual identified as ‘Ankit Agrawal’ in Dubai, responsible for coordinating the arrangements to smuggle gold into Nepal.
Besides, the members of Min Ghale’s smuggling team were found to have collaborated with individuals associated with the Tribhuvan International Airport’s Civil Aviation Office. The implicated airport staff includes AC mechanic Radha Krishna Shrestha, office helper Lek Bahadur Tamang, retired Ramesh Deula, AC Department helper Anil Shrestha, and plumber Sher Bahadur Basnet.
The investigation unraveled that Ramesh Deula, Radha Krishna Shrestha, and Anil Shrestha were specifically assigned the task of delivering the smuggled gold to Dhan Bahadur Gurung at his residence in Baniyatar.
This disturbing development highlights the potential involvement of airport personnel in facilitating illicit activities, emphasizing the imperative need for heightened security measures and comprehensive investigations within the airport authorities.
Chandra Ghale, who arrived in Kathmandu on a Fly Dubai flight (FZ 573) on December 7 was apprehended with 14 kg of gold, cleverly shaped like biscuits, concealed on both sides of his chest and carefully wrapped in cloth and shoes.
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