Former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara Arrested in Gold Smuggling Case

Former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara has been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case. His arrest follows an ongoing investigation into the smuggling of gold disguised inside vape devices brought into Nepal through Tribhuvan International Airport.

According to the CIB, on Poush 10, 2079, a Chinese national, Li Hansong, arrived in Kathmandu on Fly Dubai flight FZ 0587, carrying two suitcases that contained 730 vape devices packed in 73 bundles. Gold valued at around Rs. 85.5 million had been hidden inside the vapes. Investigations revealed that the smuggled gold was sold in collusion with customs officer Revnat Khadka and others involved.

Mahara has been accused of exerting pressure on customs officials to release the seized gold. His son, Rahul Mahara, had already been arrested and imprisoned earlier in connection with the same case. Call records obtained by investigators reportedly show regular communication between Mahara, his son, and the Chinese nationals involved, suggesting their connection to the gold smuggling network.