Government committee finds no evidence of Wrongdoing by Sudhan Gurung

Kathmandu – A government-appointed investigation committee has cleared former Home Minister Sudhan Gurung of allegations related to his assets and financial dealings, concluding that there was insufficient evidence to support claims of wrongdoing.

Gurung resigned from the Home Ministry earlier this year following public scrutiny over his asset disclosures and questions surrounding the source of funds used for certain investments. The controversy had intensified shortly after his appointment, placing him under significant political pressure.However, a 45-page report submitted by a three-member committee led by former judge Achyut Prasad Bhandari found no indication that Gurung had acquired assets through illegal means. After reviewing his movable and immovable property, share investments, banking records, and financial documents, the committee concluded that the allegations could not be substantiated.

One of the most debated issues was the ownership of 89 tolas of gold listed in Gurung’s asset records. The committee accepted Gurung’s explanation that the gold was inherited family property. An examination of banking transactions found no evidence of purchases that would contradict his claim.The report also dismissed suspicions that Gurung had maintained a business partnership with controversial businessman Deepak Bhatt. According to the committee, documents showed that Gurung had taken loans to purchase shares in insurance companies, while available evidence suggested his relationship with Bhatt was limited to personal acquaintance rather than a business partnership.

Questions had also been raised over Rs 5 million reportedly received from abroad during the “Gen Z” movement. The committee found that the funds had entered Nepal through formal banking channels and were used for personal expenses, concluding that there was no basis for treating the transaction as suspicious.Interestingly, the committee’s findings placed greater emphasis on weaknesses within Nepal’s administrative system than on any actions by Gurung himself. Discrepancies involving land valuation records, property registration documents, and asset declarations were described as systemic issues that could affect many citizens rather than evidence of deliberate misconduct.T

he report further noted that minor inconsistencies in asset disclosures should not automatically lead to legal action. Instead, it recommended reforms to land valuation procedures, gold tracking mechanisms, and asset declaration systems to improve transparency and accountability.The committee was formed by a Cabinet decision on April 28 and was initially given 15 days to complete its investigation, later receiving a five-day extension. Besides Chairperson Bhandari, the committee included Auditor General Office official Shobhakanta Poudel and Deputy Attorney General Achyut Mani Neupane.Gurung had come under fire after questions emerged regarding his investment in insurance company shares and his alleged links with businessman Deepak Bhatt. As pressure mounted from political opponents and the public, he resigned as Home Minister on April 9, serving only 26 days in the position.

With the committee now clearing him of wrongdoing, the report is expected to strengthen Gurung’s prospects for a political comeback. Nevertheless, the findings are unlikely to end the broader debate over transparency, accountability, and the independence of government-led investigations.