Arrest Warrants Issued for Sher Bahadur Deuba and Arju Rana Deuba: What Are the Reasons?
Authorities have begun searching for the current whereabouts of former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress ex-president Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba, following the issuance of arrest warrants against them.
The government has yet to provide an official response regarding the arrest warrants issued in the names of the Deuba couple. However, an official revealed that on Tuesday evening, the Kathmandu District Court issued the warrants to investigate allegations related to money laundering against them.
The bench presided over by Judge Mahendra Bahadur Karki authorized the issuance of these arrest warrants, according to the officials.
During the Gen Z movement in the Nepali month of Bhadra, protesters attacked the Deuba couple’s residence.
On Bhadra 24, several videos surfaced showing foreign and local currencies found at Deuba’s residence. Deuba claimed these videos were generated using artificial intelligence.
Nevertheless, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation has reportedly initiated an investigation into the matter.
Previously, the department has issued arrest warrants through the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police related to similar allegations.
A few days ago, former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka was arrested on charges linked to money laundering.
What the Karki Commission Report Reveals
Sher Bahadur Deuba responded to questions from the inquiry commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki concerning the money allegedly held by the Nepal Police.
The report does not disclose specifics on the amount of money seized. Although the report has been published in various media outlets, official government agencies have not formally released or confirmed its authenticity.
“…The amount was not large. Details seen on social media appear to be artificially generated. I have never filed a report at any police station. This is a complete conspiracy, though who is behind it, I do not know,” Deuba’s testimony states in the report.
The commission recommended that legal action be taken against those involved in vandalism, looting, and arson.
It also urged a thorough investigation into the money found during the attack on homes, including Deuba’s, on Bhadra 24.
What Nepal Police Say
Image source, FB/Kathmandu District Court
Manoj KC, Chief of the Central Investigation Bureau and Additional Inspector General of Police, stated that they have not received any request for assistance regarding the Deuba couple.
He added that police assistance would be provided only if the department formally requests it.
“We collaborate when necessary in certain cases. However, I have no information on this matter,” KC said.
Police officials have confirmed that the Kathmandu District Court has indeed issued the arrest warrants.
A Nepal Police spokesperson stated that they remain ready to fully cooperate with the Department of Money Laundering Investigation.
“We provide support according to legal procedures. The department will proceed with further actions. Police personnel are also embedded within the department,” said spokesperson Avinarayan Kafle.
Request for Travel Details of the Deuba Couple
Recently, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation requested the Immigration Department to provide travel records and the latest addresses of the Deuba couple.
Officials regard this procedure as routine and expect to provide the required information accordingly.
Upon request, the travel history is prepared based on the passport number, and the last known location is communicated to the investigative agencies.
Following the issuance of the arrest warrants, preparations are underway to issue an international warrant through Interpol.
The National Central Bureau within Nepal Police is responsible for submitting the necessary evidence and documents to Interpol for this purpose.
After reviewing these documents, Interpol will decide whether to issue the international arrest warrant, said the police spokesperson.
“So far, I am not aware of any process being advanced or any assistance requested from the CIB regarding this matter.”
Deuba Camp Silent; Congress Spokesperson Responds
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
Attempts to contact several senior Nepali Congress leaders, including former campaign chief Purna Bahadur Khadka, following reports on Tuesday afternoon, were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, a parallel political activity is reportedly ongoing within the party.
Nepali Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise emphasized that investigations must be conducted without political prejudice and adhere to legal procedures.
“State actions should not be prejudiced; all processes must be legal and procedural rather than politically motivated,” he said.
He further stated that political bias would not influence their stance on corruption and irregularities.
“Corruption and irregularities are social issues that transcend party affiliations or personal ties,” he added.
Chalise assured that they would not comment on investigations initiated by the state based on political prejudice.
Former Prime Minister Deuba traveled to Singapore for medical treatment on Falgun 13, after which reports indicated he had gone to Hong Kong.
Prakash Sharma Mahat, a close leader to Deuba within the Nepali Congress, expressed that they have no information about when Deuba will return.
Govind Pariyar, who served as the press advisor during Deuba’s premiership, told reporters on Monday that Deuba is expected to return soon.
“Despite legal troubles, he is unlikely to back down; he has experience facing imprisonment and stress and is ready to confront any challenge. However, this is not a very significant issue,” Pariyar stated.