Investigation Committee Prepares to Record Sudhan Gurung’s Statement; Committee Emphasizes Evidence Over Words

June 10, Kathmandu – The committee formed to investigate former Home Minister and National Independent Party MP Sudhan Gurung is set to proceed with recording his statement in connection with the inquiry.

The cabinet meeting on April 11 had constituted the panel headed by former High Court Justice Achyut Prasad Bhandari, with Auditor General Shobhakant Paudel and Assistant Attorney Achyutmani Neupane as members.

The committee has completed about half of its investigation. According to sources, the next step is to record Gurung’s statement. Up to now, the panel has been studying the allegations against him, gathering information from concerned parties, and reviewing details of his assets.

With the investigation halfway done, the committee is preparing to question Gurung directly. “We will now question the honorable member (Sudhan Gurung) regarding the raised concerns,” a committee source stated.

Chairman Bhandari explained that their mandate is to investigate matters arising during Gurung’s tenure as minister, and the work is progressing accordingly.

“Our scope is to investigate issues from the time he was minister, prepare a report, and suggest recommendations. We are working strictly within this framework,” Bhandari clarified.

Clear Findings to be Presented in the Report

The committee has announced it will present a clear and conclusive report. If found guilty, the report will detail the charges; if innocent, reasons for exoneration will be documented transparently.

“We don’t speak ourselves; the evidence and documents speak. A clear report will be prepared with reasons and proof,” said Chairman Bhandari.

He added that every aspect is being thoroughly analyzed with factual support. The report will provide opportunity for defense where necessary and recommend actions when warranted, thereby earning public trust.

“Just as courts make decisions based on clear reasons and evidence, our report will be the same. The evidence will speak,” he emphasized.

Report to Be Submitted Within the Designated Timeline

The committee is on track to submit its report within the 15-day period allocated from the start of their work. More than a week has elapsed, and they continue to work diligently to complete within the remaining time.

“We plan to submit the report on schedule. Unless there are major obstacles, the report will be delivered as promised,” Chairman Bhandari assured.

The report will include assessments related to matters that surfaced during Gurung’s tenure as Home Minister.

What Are the Allegations Against Sudhan Gurung?

Businessman Deepak Bhatt was arrested in Kathmandu on March 2 on charges of money laundering, and he remains in police custody. Due to his business partnership with Bhatt, Gurung became embroiled in controversy.

After property disclosures revealed hidden shares and involvement in Bhatt’s contentious company, Gurung resigned on April 22, submitting his resignation to the Prime Minister. His asset declarations, including land and gold, had sparked various public discussions.

When resigning, Gurung posted on Facebook, “In recent days, I have taken seriously the questions, comments, and public interest raised at the citizen level concerning shares and related matters. For me, ethics are greater than position. There is no power greater than public trust. I hope for an impartial investigation on the related matters.”

On May 15, twenty days after his resignation and demand for investigation, the government established the inquiry committee.

Who Will Be the Next Home Minister?

On Saturday, Sudhan Gurung visited the Armed Police Hospital in Balambu to check on the condition of personnel injured during training. This visit sparked speculation among many that Gurung could be reappointed as Home Minister. Some also believe he attended in the capacity of a shadow Home Minister.

However, the secretariat clarified that Gurung’s visit was humanitarian. He brought fruit to visit the injured personnel after receiving news of unconscious trainees during exercises.

During the visit, Gurung inquired about the patients’ conditions and expressed willingness to offer personal assistance. He also met with the hospital director for further information about the injured.

As months pass without the investigation concluding or a new appointment, public interest has intensified over who will become the next Home Minister. The ruling party has yet to make a decision. Due to delays in the investigation and indecision, the possibility of Gurung returning to the post has increased.

Party leaders acknowledge that if the committee clears Gurung of wrongdoing, he is likely to be reinstated as Home Minister. However, the final decision rests with Prime Minister Balendra Shah according to their understanding.

Given that Prime Minister Shah previously appointed Gurung to the position, it is widely believed that if the committee exonerates him, Shah could reappoint Gurung once again as Home Minister.