Sudhan Gurung’s Purchase of 20 Ropani Land in Bhedetar at NPR 700,000 Sparks Controversy

Interior Minister Sudhan Gurung purchased 19 ropani 15 aana of land in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality-6, Dhankuta, on Chaitra 11. The Land Revenue Office assessed the land value at NPR 690,000 and the corresponding revenue was paid accordingly. However, the Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality claims the market price of land in the area is NPR 500,000 per ropani.

Dhankuta, 9 Baishakh – The recently resigned Minister Sudhan Gurung has drawn criticism over an apparent undervaluation of the land he bought in Dhankuta. Having been appointed minister on Chaitra 13, Gurung acquired nearly 20 ropani of land on Chaitra 11 near Bhedetar, the prime tourist location in Dhankuta, specifically in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality-6 (formerly Karkichhap-5), plot number 167.

According to the Dhankuta Land Revenue Office, Gurung purchased the land from Junu Limbu. Junu’s father-in-law, Karn Bahadur Magar, who holds the land in his daughter’s name, confirmed the sale but declined to disclose the transaction price, citing a confidential agreement. Kamal Bahadur Thapa, head of the Dhankuta Land Revenue Office, explained that the land was registered with an assessed value of NPR 690,000, and the corresponding revenue was paid as per that valuation.

Jitendra Rai, chairperson of Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality, noted that the land is in an area not yet serviced by roads but stated that the market price is NPR 500,000 per ropani. By that standard, the actual value of the acquired land could amount to approximately NPR 10 million. Deepak Magar, ward chairperson of Sangurigadhi-6, confirmed that transactions in the area generally occur around NPR 500,000 per ropani and that the municipality has declared the land suitable for commercial use.

Ward Chairperson Magar asserted that acquiring 19 ropani 15 aana at NPR 690,000 is virtually impossible at current rates but mentioned the exact acquisition location has not been clearly identified yet. The land purchased by Gurung lies about 3 kilometers east of Bhedetar. The Land Revenue Office said that because the village administration recommended the land as lacking road access, they used minimum government valuation standards to approve the transaction.

Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality’s valuation confirms the price at NPR 500,000 per ropani and that transactions are conducted accordingly. Kamal Bahadur Thapa clarified that the difference between government assessment and actual market price explains the apparent discrepancy. Although former Minister Gurung listed the land purchase in his asset declaration, he has not publicly disclosed the actual purchase price or funding sources.