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🇳🇵 Nepal /Elections & Politics

Sudan Gurung returns as home minister amid unanswered questions

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Sudan Gurung has returned to his position as home minister less than two months after resigning amid allegations of controversial dealings.
  • The government reinstated Gurung after accepting a probe report that found no basis to conclude his assets were suspicious, despite the National Human Rights Commission recommending an investigation against him.
  • Gurung announced plans to strengthen criminal investigations and expedite pending cases, including the 2001 royal massacre, upon resuming office.

Sudan Gurung, a lawmaker with the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has been reinstated as home minister, a position he resigned from less than two months ago. His initial resignation on April 22 was framed as a test of political culture and a step towards an impartial investigation into allegations surrounding his dealings.

there was no basis to conclude that the source of the assets was suspicious

— probe report by Bhandari committeeThe finding of the investigation into Sudan Gurung's assets.

However, Gurung returned to the post Tuesday without the government making the investigation report public. Adding to the controversy, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended an investigation against him, citing his alleged role in escalating violence during a protest last September. This raises further questions about accountability and the impartiality of the process.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah reappointed Gurung after the Cabinet accepted a probe report submitted by a panel led by former high court judge Achyut Prasad Bhandari. The report concluded there was "no basis to conclude that the source of the assets was suspicious." Despite this, the report has not been made public, nor has a date for its release been announced.

I know the report was submitted on Friday and he [Gurung] has become minister today [Tuesday]. I have no additional information.

— Dipa DahalPress and investigation expert to the prime minister, commenting on the timeline of the report and reappointment.

Officials at the NHRC expressed skepticism about the possibility of a fair investigation. NHRC member Lily Thapa noted that when individuals facing scrutiny head the responsible ministry, it can prevent investigations from reaching their logical conclusion, drawing parallels to past cases related to the Maoist conflict. "How can we expect a fair investigation when the person recommended for investigation is leading the ministry responsible for it?" Thapa questioned.

How can we expect a fair investigation when the person recommended for investigation is leading the ministry responsible for it?

— Lily ThapaNHRC member expressing concern over the impartiality of the investigation process.

Upon resuming office, Gurung announced initiatives to bolster criminal investigations. He pledged to strengthen the Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau, expedite pending cases, and establish specialized units for serious crimes, organized crime, and financial offenses. He also directed officials to proceed with an investigation into the 2001 royal palace massacre.

This trend could be repeated.

— Lily ThapaWarning about the potential for investigations to be hindered when accused individuals hold government positions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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