KATHMANDU: Questions have surfaced within the Nepali Congress regarding the alleged discovery of Nepali currency notes and US dollars at the homes of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka during the Gen-Z protests on September 8-9.
While President Deuba and his wife Arju Deuba were undergoing treatment following a violent attack linked to the protests, two district presidents raised the issue during a virtual party meeting.
At the meeting, Palpa’s district president Himal Shrestha and Ilam’s district president Dambar Khadka inquired about the alleged large amounts of cash reportedly found at Deuba and Khadka’s residences.
Earlier, on September 18, Deuba’s secretariat had refuted social media reports claiming cash stashes at the Budhanilkantha residence, labeling them false. Personal secretary Bhanu Deuba issued a clarification, stating that images circulating online were fabricated and intended to defame the party and its leadership.
Despite this, Congress General Secretary Bishwprakash Sharma confirmed that the matter was raised in the virtual district meeting. “During the Zoom meeting, Palpa’s Himal Shrestha and Ilam’s Dambar Khadka brought up the issue of cash at the residences,” Sharma said. “It is the household’s responsibility to clarify this. I have even called to advise them to do so.”
Sharma further stated that state agencies should also investigate. “The state must conduct proper inquiries. The Asset Recovery Department (ARD) team is already examining the matter. Any questions raised nationwide regarding our leadership should be investigated by official bodies,” he added.
Investigation underway
In line with Sharma’s statement, the Asset Recovery Department has begun investigations at both Deuba’s Budhanilkantha residence and Khadka’s home. Sources report that a team led by DSP Navaratna Paudel visited both locations on Sunday to collect evidence.
During the Gen-Z protests, both residences were vandalized and set on fire. Burnt Nepali 500 and 1,000 notes, along with US dollars, were reportedly found at Deuba’s home, while a video of dollars being scattered at Khadka’s residence also went viral. The ARD and Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau are actively investigating these incidents.
Sharma on party response
Sharma emphasized that discussions have taken place with all seven provincial presidents to maintain party unity. “During a crisis, we must ensure the party advances while also safeguarding the president’s health. We have advised that any public questions should be addressed through proper investigation by state agencies rather than attempting internal clean-ups,” he said.
He added that the 15th Nepali Congress general convention is scheduled for the end of Mangsir. Delays in distributing active membership could result in the continuation of the previous convention representatives. Sharma stressed the importance of unifying differing perspectives within the party to move forward effectively.
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