Following the department´s directive, Nepal Rastra Bank in late September ordered all commercial banks to freeze bank accounts of Biratnagar-15 resident Basnet and his father Gopal, and also ordered that the sale of property owned by the duo be barred. [break]
In the circular, the central bank has also asked all commercial banks to investigate their banking transactions, and send the details.
“After the department sought an investigation, the accounts were frozen and property transaction barred,” said Bishnu Guragain of the central bank´s internal administration section. “A circular has been issued to all the commercial banks,” he added.
Khum Raj Punjali, director general of the department, said the investigation was initiated by the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police that later handed the task over to the department.
Commercial banks have instructed their branches to follow the central bank´s circular. The branches are making preparations to send to their headquarters documents detailing the duo´s bank accounts. The documents will then reach the central bank and later to the department.
The complaint against Basnet seeks investigation into the source of his massive holdings gathered in a matter of years.
The complainant has accused Basnet of making money through intimidation and thuggery, and keeping hundreds of millions worth property in his and relatives´ ownership.
It is estimated that Basnet made over Rs 800 million in five years. It is believed that Basnet made his money from tender awards, smuggling, realty dealers, timber traders, and extortion.
Basnet, who is originally from Dolakha, was a driver´s help when he came to Morang. After being associated with the CPN-UML-close Youth Force, he unleashed illegal activities and made his millions.
Before absconding, Basnet drove a vehicle that cost nearly Rs 10 million. He personally gifted some 200 Pulsar bikes to his supporters.
A source said he has two houses worth Rs 20 million at Biratnagar-15. At the same neighborhood, he owns a hoarding board factory worth Rs 20 million. He also owns shares in a mosquito net factory owned by one Kiran Singh Basnet, according to the source.
“He has shares in many ventures,” said a UML source. “It is believed that after he went absconding, his wife Anju Singh sold some property,” the source added.
Basnet went absconding after mounting an attack on Abhishek Giri inside Morang District Court compound on June 1 this year. He did not present himself at court even after a 70-day arrest warrant issued by the court expired.
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