Dr Sharma threatens to stage fast-unto-death protest if mastermind behind the gold smuggling not arrested

KATHMANDU, July 26: In a fiery session at the House of Representatives (HoR) on Wednesday, ruling Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Dr Sunil Sharma called for the immediate resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Finance Minister Dr Prakasharan Mahat. The demand came in light of the recent gold smuggling case at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Customs Office, where over one quintal of gold was seized.

Lawmaker Dr Sharma expressed his dissatisfaction with the authorities' handling of the case, stating that only a porter was arrested while the main culprits behind the smuggling operation still remain at large. "It's not enough to apprehend the porter; the masterminds behind this illegal act must be brought to justice," he said.

Dr Sharma further criticized the government for not providing a clear timeline for the arrest of the main culprits.  "The public deserves to know that the government is taking this matter seriously. If it takes time to apprehend the main culprits, the authorities should communicate their plans and ensure swift action," he said.

In response to the lack of accountability, the NC lawmaker threatened to escalate the issue after the return of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to Kathmandu from Italy.  He even warned of staging a fast-unto-death  protest as a means of protest if the government fails to take appropriate action to apprehend the mastermind behind the smuggling.

The call for resignation comes as pressure mounts on the ruling parties to address the gold smuggling case effectively and demonstrate their commitment to fighting corruption and illegal activities within the country.

 
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