MaharaBabuchhora, who communicated with the gold smuggler 256 times, is out of the investigation
Despite the passage of 47 days since the submission of the charge sheet containing crucial call records, there has been a notable absence of any investigative actions taken regarding Krishna Bahadur Mahara. A prominent figure in the ruling Maoist party, Mahara has been linked to a complex gold smuggling case centered around electronic cigarettes (VeP). The fact that no formal inquiry has been initiated even after evidence emerged of Mahara's communications with the suspected gold smugglers is raising questions about the handling of the case.
The incident dates back to December 10, 2079, when a group, including a Chinese citizen named Daojin Wang, was apprehended attempting to smuggle approximately 9 kg of gold concealed within a vehicle. The gold, ingeniously hidden in electronic cigarettes, was discovered during a routine inspection. Consequently, customs authorities seized the contraband and placed it in secure storage.
Subsequent investigations have uncovered a web of intriguing connections involving Krishna Bahadur Mahara. It was revealed that Mahara allegedly exerted pressure to secure the release of the confiscated gold. His involvement raises concerns about the potential nexus between high-ranking political figures and illicit activities.
The charge sheet submitted by the police to the District Public Prosecutor's office in Kathmandu also includes call detail records that implicate Mahara in direct communication with the individuals associated with the gold smuggling operation. Surprisingly, despite the passage of nearly 47 days since these details were submitted, law enforcement agencies have yet to take any substantial steps to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter.
One of the key revelations that emerged from the investigation is Mahara's communication history with the Chinese smugglers. It has been documented that Mahara communicated with Wang a staggering 11 times using his son Nirmal's phone in an alleged effort to facilitate the release of the seized gold. Furthermore, Mahara reportedly reached out to the Chief of Airport Customs, Arun Pokharel, apparently stating "Rahul will come, see," suggesting potential coordination.
Rahul, Mahara's son, played a notable role in this complex network of communications. He had reportedly communicated with Wang 64 times and with another individual, Daojin, a staggering 131 times. Additionally, Rahul's connections extended to other persons of interest, including a Chinese individual named Asin, who is currently evading authorities, and an individual named Lokendra Paudel. Both of these individuals were contacted multiple times.
The investigation also revealed that Mahara had communicated with his son Nirmal a total of 11 times, further cementing the notion of a concerted effort to navigate this intricate web of gold smuggling. Technical analysis has further strengthened the evidence connecting Mahara, his family, and the larger smuggling network, documenting a total of 256 communications involving gold smugglers and their associates.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the police force has played a pivotal role in establishing the connections between Mahara and the gold smuggling case. While the gold theft itself resulted in legal action against individuals implicated in the crime, the broader investigation into the gold smuggling operation remains ongoing. Dinesh Acharya, an officer with the CIB, has highlighted the distinction between the cases, emphasizing that the focus of the gold smuggling investigation is centered on organized criminal activities.
In the midst of these unfolding developments, a recent informal discussion took place involving the District Public Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and senior law enforcement officials. The conversation touched upon the sensitive issue of expanding the scope of the investigation to encompass not only the smugglers but also the involvement of Krishna Bahadur Mahara and his son Rahul. This underlines the complexities and high-stakes nature of the case, which potentially involves individuals holding positions of power within the government.
A pivotal figure in this saga is Arun Pokharel, who was the head of airport customs during the time of the incident. He had played a role in raising the alarm about the missing gold, which in turn set off the chain of investigations. His involvement and his willingness to report the situation to the authorities has positioned him as a whistleblower. Consequently, the CIB has pursued separate lines of inquiry into both the theft of gold and the larger gold smuggling network. The theft case has already been filed in court.
The investigation process has been thorough, with key individuals being documented as witnesses. Even customs agent Khuwa Prasad Neupane, who was linked to the gold theft operation, has been engaged in the investigation. The intertwining nature of these events necessitates a comprehensive approach that can unveil the full extent of the smuggling network and its interactions with high-profile individuals.
As the investigation continues, a significant portion of the puzzle remains to be solved. The Chinese citizens involved in the smuggling, Wang and Lee Hansong, have fled the country, while others associated with the smuggling operation are still at large. The complexity of the situation is underscored by the presence of multiple groups collaborating with customs employees, leading to a layered and intricate narrative.
The key element in this evolving narrative is the connection between Mahara and the Chinese smuggling networks. While Mahara acknowledged knowing Wang as a fruit trader, investigations have uncovered Wang's role as a gold smuggler. This revelation has further deepened suspicions and raised questions about Mahara's potential involvement.
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