KATHMANDU, Sep 2: The Nepal Police have launched an investigation into the possible involvement of Dipesh Pun, the son of former Vice President Nanda Kishor Pun, in the recent gold smuggling case that implicated Belgian national Dawa Tsering. The revelation of a relationship between Dipesh Pun and Dawa Tsering had come to light earlier during the investigation.
Following the public disclosure of the gold smuggling case, a photograph of Dawa Tsering with the family of former Vice President Pun circulated widely on social media. However, the Pun family subsequently denied that the picture was recent, asserting it was taken in a different context several years ago.
In a Republica news article titled 'Arrest of Dawa Tsering hints at possible political connections,' published on July 31, Dipesh Pun claimed to be unaware of Dawa's criminal activities. Now, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police has initiated an inquiry into Dipesh Pun's potential involvement in the gold smuggling case.
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The police began this investigation four days ago after discovering suspicious documents that could implicate him. A senior CIB source stated, "We are investigating; their relationship appears to be familial. We have commenced an investigation to determine whether their connection extends beyond family ties to involve business interests."
The investigation also encompasses Dawa Tsering, the arrested Belgian citizen of Chinese origin, and Thupten Tshiring Lama, an Indian citizen, in collaboration with Nepali and Indian gold traders and Nepali leaders. The source mentioned, "Dawa seems to have strengthened his relationship with the former Vice President's family through his marriage to Amala Roka, a Rolpali woman."
Numerous videos depict Dawa's frequent meetings with former President Nanda Bahadur Pun and his sons Jitendra Pun and Dipesh Pun, as well as daughter-in-law Juna Pun. These videos capture Dawa's visits to the Pun family's residence, shared meals, family outings, and celebrations of Bhat Tika during Tihar.
"There are several suspicious aspects, and we are conducting a comprehensive investigation," affirmed a senior CIB source, despite Dawa's prior denials.
It is worth noting that on July 19, shortly before the raid at Hotel Vienna, the Department of Revenue Investigation confiscated 60 kg of gold. A video circulating on social media featured Amala Roka visiting former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun's residence and sharing a meal. Moreover, a video showed Juna performing Bhaitika on Dawa. These events suggest a close family relationship.
Intriguingly, Jitendra Pun, the eldest son of former President Pun, traveled to the United States three months ago. The source indicated that he traveled at Dawa's expense, although the reasons for the trip remain unclear.
Furthermore, Dawa Tsering had reportedly cooperated with security agencies as an informant, which had garnered him protection in the past. He provided information about Chinese citizens to security agencies, as confirmed by sources. His connections with high-ranking leaders of the Maoist center and their families facilitated smuggling activities, prompting the police to investigate these ties further.
