Investigation Ongoing Against KP Sharma Oli and Ramesh Lekhak; Is Sudhan Gurung Preparing to Return as Home Minister?
Photo Credit: RSS/Nepal Photo Library/Reuters
While the police investigation against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak remains incomplete, Sudhan Gurung, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and former Home Minister himself, has hinted at returning to his previous ministerial role.
Gurung resigned from his position within 27 days of the government formation under Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, citing policy reasons amid questions raised about the source of his assets.
According to a spokesperson for the Nepal Police, the investigation into the events of September 8 and 9 involving Oli and Lekhak is still ongoing; however, no official complaints regarding Gurung’s assets have been filed, so no legal proceedings have commenced against him.
Nonetheless, Rastriya Swatantra Party Deputy Spokesperson Ramesh Prasai stated that a parliamentary investigative committee will be established in the upcoming parliamentary session to examine allegations against Gurung. Informal discussions indicate that Party Chairman Ravi Lamichhane has prepared for such a committee regarding Gurung’s case.
“The leadership seems intent on investigating the source of Gurung’s assets through a parliamentary inquiry committee with the aim of reinstating him,” Prasai added.
During Gurung’s tenure as Home Minister, the police had arrested Oli, Lekhak, and other senior leaders, though both were later released following Supreme Court orders.
What Are the Chances of Gurung’s Return?
Photo Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images
Prasai indicated that, after discussions between Prime Minister Deuba and Chairman Lamichhane, the latter has likely raised this matter among the party’s members of parliament.
“I believe the leadership has informed us accordingly and plans to reappoint Sudhan,” he stated.
Since Gurung’s resignation, Prime Minister Deuba has maintained direct control over the Home Ministry.
“No official decision has been made yet. However, as no new Home Minister has been appointed and a parliamentary investigative committee is to be formed, this signals the possibility of Gurung’s return,” Prasai explained.
“There is no criminal case, complaint, or registered case against him; therefore, this matter does not fall under police jurisdiction. The questions raised are entirely ethical in nature.”
Nepal Police spokesperson Avin Narayan Kafle also confirmed that no complaint has been registered against Gurung at the police.
“There have been many media reports and rumors regarding his resignation, but no official complaint exists,” he said.
Parliamentary Investigation Committee to Be Formed at Session Opening
According to Rastriya Swatantra Party Deputy Spokesperson and MP Ramesh Prasai, a parliamentary investigative committee will be established as soon as the parliament convenes to examine issues concerning former Home Minister Gurung.
The committee will determine whether the source of his assets is legitimate.
The next federal parliamentary session is scheduled to begin on April 11.
Officials from the parliamentary Secretariat noted that forming special investigation committees is a long-standing tradition if any issues arise.
Secretariat spokesperson Ekram Giri stated, “We have standing committees that operate regularly, but if a specific investigation or study is necessary, parliament can form a special committee.”
After the Prime Minister and ministers did not disclose some of Gurung’s asset details, he was reported to have connections with businessman Dipak Bhatt, who is under investigation for money laundering.
After his resignation, Gurung wrote on Facebook, “I took the questions, comments, and public concerns raised at the citizen level very seriously. Ethics are above position, and public confidence is the greatest power.”
Shortly thereafter, Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Lamichhane stated to journalists that Gurung will soon face investigation.
“The investigation process will commence soon. You will be informed about the nature of the inquiry. I hope Gurung will receive a fair investigation and that the raised issues will be resolved,” Lamichhane said.
Investigation Against Oli and Lekhak
Photo Credit: RSS
Police sources noted that the investigation into Oli and Lekhak is still incomplete, with delays attributed to the complexity of the case.
“It is natural that investigations take time; we are working accordingly. The final report will be submitted to the relevant authorities,” said police spokesperson Kafle.
Kathmandu police are actively investigating. Police spokesperson Pawan Kumar Bhattarai informed that CCTV footage related to the incident has been reviewed, and site analysis is ongoing.
Following the release of the “Karki Commission Report” concerning the events of September 8 and 9, police arrested Oli and Lekhak.
However, they were released after a Supreme Court order.
“They currently remain in safe custody. No further summons for statements have been issued; if necessary, they will be called,” Bhattarai stated.
He expressed uncertainty about how the case will progress in terms of timing.
“We have recorded statements and are in the process of collecting and authenticating further evidence. Evidence is undergoing both traditional and scientific examination.”
“Once the investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the court. Currently, four complaints are being investigated simultaneously,” he added.
Several leaders from the ruling CPN-UML view the actions against Oli as revenge-driven, while Congress leaders have expressed concern over the Commission’s report, calling it “incomplete.”
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