Delay in Property Investigation on Burnt Money at Political Leaders’ Homes

The Asset Recovery Investigation Department has delayed the investigation into the burnt money at the homes of former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and former Minister Deepak Khadka. Videos and photos of Nepali and foreign currency reportedly destroyed in a fire during protests on September 9, 2025 (24 Bhadra), went viral immediately on social media, but the department only began collecting evidence nearly two weeks later.

During the protests, demonstrators set fire to and vandalized the residences of Congress President Deuba, Central Member Khadka, and Maoist Chairman Dahal. Videos circulated online showed people removing cash from homes before it caught fire, and subsequent footage even showed individuals sifting through the charred remnants. The government had only deployed police outside the affected houses to prevent entry.

The investigation team from the Asset Recovery Investigation Department visited Deuba and Khadka’s homes in Budhanilkantha on September 20 (5 Ashoj) and Dahal’s residence in Khumaltar on September 22 (7 Ashoj), citing prior holidays. The team collected burnt currency fragments, ash, and other relevant materials, which were sent for testing at a forensic laboratory. An official said,

“Videos and photos circulated on social media showed large sums of cash in various leaders’ homes. Initial screenings confirmed the need for a proper investigation.”

However, Deuba’s secretariat has refuted the authenticity of the circulated videos. Personal Secretary Bhanu Deuba stated:

“The visuals circulating on social media are fabricated, exaggerated, misleading, and shared with malicious intent to defame.”

Allegations Against Former Leaders

Both former Prime Ministers have faced longstanding allegations of corruption and illegal wealth accumulation. Deuba has held public office continuously since 1991 (2048 BS), winning multiple elections from Dadeldhura and serving as Home Minister in 1991. He has been Prime Minister five times, including 2001, 2002, 2005, 2017, and 2021. His wife, Arju Rana, has also been a proportional representation MP from Congress in 2008, 2014, and 2021. She served as Foreign Minister in the government toppled by the Jan-G movement and has faced accusations of profiting from government contracts, appointments, and alleged involvement in sending Nepalis to the U.S. under false Bhutanese refugee claims. No formal investigations were conducted in these cases.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal entered parliamentary politics after the 2005/06 political changes and has served as Prime Minister three times. During the Maoist insurgency (1995–2005), leaders and cadres allegedly looted funds and gold from banks and financial institutions. Post-conflict, allegations surfaced that funds allocated for former combatants were misappropriated. Despite these claims, no investigations have taken place. Dahal was residing at a contractor Sharada Adhikari’s house, which was also set on fire during the September protests.

Congress leader Deepak Khadka faced controversies during his tenure as Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, accused of favoring individuals for licenses and contracts, including transactions conducted within ministerial offices. He has also been linked to irregularities involving land in Lainchour. Effective investigation into these allegations remains lacking.

Interim Government Response

Prime Minister Suśhila Karki, addressing the nation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investigate corruption and prosecute offenders:

“The current government has received sufficient information regarding past corrupt practices. Necessary investigations will be carried out, and the process to bring the guilty to justice will move forward.”

During the tenure of PM KP Sharma Oli, the National Investigation Department (NID) was shifted under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Asset Recovery Investigation Department and Revenue Investigation Department under the Ministry of Finance were returned on the same day.

Former Deputy Inspector General Hemant Mall emphasized that all suspected corruption, money laundering, misuse of state resources, and irregular transfers must fall under the investigation’s scope. He stated that examining the background and current lifestyle of the individuals involved is essential to determine the legitimate source of their wealth.