Kathmandu, March 29
The government has initiated an investigation into the assets of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. As part of the process, property details of Deuba and his family members have been collected.
Police have halted the demolition of structures within Deuba’s residence premises in Budhanilkantha, citing concerns that potential evidence could be destroyed. The move comes amid an ongoing investigation into allegations that the family amassed unusual and illegal wealth acquired while in power. A complaint had earlier been filed with the Department of Money Laundering Investigation against the Deuba family.
According to sources, previously gathered information and evidence are now being consolidated to advance the probe. Security and police sources say details have been collected on approximately 73 ropanis of land purchased over the past one to one-and-a-half years in the names of Jaiveer Deuba and his close relatives.
Investigators are also reviewing financial transactions involving Jaiveer Deuba and others, including dealings linked to relatives such as Pradeep Shumsher Rana and Bhushan Rana.
Sources said the investigation also covers complaints related to the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, in which Arzu Rana Deuba has been alleged to have involvement, as well as transactions following controversial decisions in the Nepal Telecom billing irregularities case.
“The demolition at the Budhanilkantha residence has been stopped as it could affect the investigation and lead to the destruction of evidence,” a source at the Department of Money Laundering Investigation said.
The Deuba family had constructed two bungalows within a single compound in Budhanilkantha, which had already been the subject of complaints. During the Gen Z movement, the residence was attacked and partially set on fire.
In recent days, workers had been mobilised by the family to demolish the damaged structures. However, police intervened following instructions from senior officials, citing risks to the ongoing investigation and preservation of evidence.
