Kathmandu, January 13
For the first time in the history of Nepali bureaucracy, government employees will face the court on the charge of committing organised crime.
Authorities are preparing to take Sri Narayan Yadav and Raj Kumar Dhakal, officer and x-ray technician at Tribhuvan International Airport customs accused of involvement in the recent smuggling of 34 kg gold, to the court on the charge of commiting organised crime.
A day after arresting the two, Central Investigation Bureau extended their custody by 18 days for further investigation. Alleged couriers Gopal Shahi, Santosh Kafle and Dil Bahadur Thapa are already under investigation.
According to a CIB source, Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi has directed them to try the arrested on the charge of involvement in organised crime. CIB Chief, DIG Nawaraj Silwal, promised to try them on the charge of commiting organised crime.
Earlier, CIB used to hand over those caught with smuggled gold to the Department of Revenue Investigation.
CIB had consulted Home Minister and Attorney-General on whether or not to pursue legal action against the arrestees on the charge of their role in organised crime. An officer involved in the probe said their task was cut out with both the bodies seeking trial on the charge of role in organised crime.
In case of organised crime, law enforcement can keep the accused in custody for up to 60 days. If charges are proven, the guilty may even get life-term.
