KATHMANDU, June 6: A government-appointed inquiry committee has cleared former Home Minister Sudan Gurung of corruption allegations, opening the door for his possible return to the post, according to political sources.
The three-member panel, led by former High Court Judge Achyut Prasad Bhattarai, submitted a 45-page report to Prime Minister Balendra Shah at Singha Durbar on Friday.
Gurung, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), had stepped down as Home Minister on April 22 after allegations surfaced over an alleged illegal partnership with controversial businessman Deepak Bhatt and undisclosed shareholding in a micro-insurance company.
At the time of his resignation, Gurung said he was stepping aside to ensure an impartial investigation and avoid any conflict of interest.
Former Home Minister Gurung accuses media outlets of character...
“I want a fair investigation into the matters related to me. I have resigned effective from today so that there is no conflict of interest while I remain in office,” he had said, emphasizing the need for integrity in public office.
Following his resignation, the government formed an inquiry committee on May 11 to investigate the allegations.
No evidence of financial wrongdoing
The committee report states that a forensic review of records from the Office of the Company Registrar, the Nepal Insurance Authority, and banking transactions found no “paper trail” linking Gurung to any direct investment or illegal financial dealings.
It further concluded that there was no legal evidence of hidden or benami investment involving Gurung and businessman Bhatt.
Based on these findings, the panel has recommended a clean chit for the former minister. The committee coordinator has also suggested that the full report be made public, citing strong public interest.
Political implications
The clean chit has triggered fresh political activity, with discussions between the RSP and Prime Minister Shah reportedly intensifying over Gurung’s possible reinstatement as Home Minister.
Prime Minister Shah is currently holding the Home Ministry portfolio himself.
However, opposition parties have strongly criticized the committee, calling it a “government protection mechanism” and demanding that the report be presented in Parliament for proper scrutiny.
In the coming days, the Prime Minister is expected to present the report to the Cabinet before making a final decision on Gurung’s possible return to the Home Ministry.
