KATHMANDU, Sept 14: The investigation into the case involving the recovery of approximately one kilogram of gold by the District Police Range Kathmandu has turned its focus to a leader of the Nepali Congress (NC)-affiliated Nepal Tarun Dal (NTD) from Kavre.
Police have revealed the involvement of Bikas Lama, a leader of the NC’s youth organization, NTD, during the course of the investigation.
Based on specific information, the police arrested Babu Lal Dong of Khanikhola Rural Municipality-3 in Kavre, who was found in possession of the gold he had brought from Dubai via Himalayan Airlines at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, concealed in his genitalia.
Additionally, Dorje Syangtan of Roshi Rural Municipality-3 in Kavre and Jagat Lama of Mahabharat Rural Municipality-3 were arrested while attempting to apprehend Dong, the gold carrier.
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According to officers involved in the investigation, Bikas Lama's involvement from Kavre came to light through statements provided by those under scrutiny. SP Kumod Dhungel of the District Police Range in Kathmandu stated that Lama is currently being sought in connection with the gold case.
Despite Jagat's claim of ownership of the gold, investigators have uncovered evidence of Bikas's involvement through contact details and the vehicle used.
Currently, the police are actively searching for Bikas, who was appointed as a member of the Bagmati Province Committee by Indra Bahadur Baniya, the provincial president of the ruling Nepali Congress, on October 23, 2022.
According to the police, Bikas has close ties to Tirtha Bahadur Lama, the Minister for Water, Energy, and Irrigation of Bagmati Province. He was nominated as a proportional candidate for the provincial assembly in an election that he campaigned for independently.
Experts report that Bikas has a criminal history, having previously spent three years in Bhimphedi prison on an attempted murder charge. He was also arrested for motorcycle theft.
An official notes that Bikas Lama was found to be smuggling gold upon his return from Dubai, where he had gone for foreign employment. Experts highlight a significant change in his lifestyle over the past four years.
SP Dhungana revealed that this group used to smuggle gold from Dubai by concealing it within their genitalia. Investigators suspect that they may have employed this method for gold smuggling on previous occasions as well.
