Probe finds nothing unusual in Sudun Gurung’s landholdings

A committee investigating the property of former home minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Suden Gurung has concluded its probe, finding no unusual activity in his landholdings. However, the investigation did not provide a definitive conclusion regarding his monetary transactions and share investments.

The committee, led by former judge Achyut Prasad Bhandari, submitted its 45-page report to Prime Minister Balendra Shah. The report details Gurung's assets, income sources, debts, and property acquisition methods. Gurung resigned on April 22 following controversy surrounding his share investments and alleged connections to businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is currently under investigation for money laundering.

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We did not find anything unusual in his landholdings.

Investigators compared Gurung's asset declarations made before the March 5 election with those submitted after he became home minister. While finding no irregularities in his landholdings, committee members noted it was difficult to definitively conclude that other properties lacked identifiable sources or were acquired through unjustified means. Gurung owns significant land in Dhankuta and properties registered under his father's name in Chitwan and Gorkha. The committee found no direct link or financial transactions between Gurung and Bhatta.

During his testimony, Gurung stated he earned income from a hotel in Thamel and invested the proceeds in shares and gold. The committee found evidence supporting his claims of income generation from the hotel's sale and examined his assertions of borrowing money from several individuals, recording their statements. The investigation committee was formed by a Cabinet meeting on May 11.

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Even regarding other properties, it was difficult to conclude that they lacked identifiable sources or were acquired through unjustified means.