KATHMANDU: Krishna Bahadur Mahara, the Vice Chairman of Maoist Center, has been transferred to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police following his arrest.
Reports indicate that Mahara was taken directly to the CIB from Tribhuvan International Airport.
Mahara was arrested in Rupandehi in connection with a case involving the smuggling of 60 kilograms of gold.
Sources suggest that he was detained while staying at the residence of an accustomed, Wakil Musalman.
Transported to Kathmandu via a Yeti Airlines aircraft, Mahara, also the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, faces serious allegations.
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.
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