Kathmandu, 22 Sep: The Department of Money Laundering Investigation has begun a probe into money reportedly found in burnt condition at the residences of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka. Investigators visited both houses on Sunday, prepared an official report, and collected samples of partially burnt notes and ash for examination.
Burnt Currency Found After Protest Arson
On September 9 (Bhadra 24), demonstrators from the ongoing “Gen-Z” movement vandalized and set fire to the homes of Deuba and Khadka in Budhanilkantha. Soon after, videos and photos surfaced on social media showing both Nepali and foreign currency in burnt condition inside the houses.
Forensic testing of these visuals has yet to be carried out. Three days after the arson, police had restricted outsiders’ entry to the residences. The Department only moved forward with its investigation more than a week later.
Money Laundering Suspicion
Officials say the incident raises potential concerns about undisclosed wealth.
“Some burnt notes were reportedly found inside leaders’ houses, while intact notes may have been taken away by demonstrators,” an official said. “After preliminary screening, our team inspected the sites closely.”
If the samples are confirmed to be genuine currency, Deuba and Khadka could face a money laundering probe, with scrutiny extended to the sources of their income. The Revenue Investigation Department has also confirmed that it is monitoring the case and gathering details.
Dahal’s Residence Under Review; Deuba Denies Allegations
The investigation team is also preparing to inspect the Khumaltar residence of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, which was set ablaze during the protests. Police currently guard the damaged house, while Dahal has moved to another location.
Meanwhile, Deuba’s Secretariat has strongly rejected the allegations. In a statement issued on September 18 (Asoj 2), his aide Bhanu Deuba dismissed the viral videos and claims of secret tunnels storing cash as “fabricated, exaggerated, misleading, and spread with malicious intent to tarnish the party leadership’s image.”
“Even after such a heinous criminal attack, false narratives are being circulated to defame our leadership,” the statement reads.
