KATHMANDU, Mar 29 — Nepal Police arrested former energy minister and senior Nepali Congress leader Deepak Khadka in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation, according to local media reports. Officials from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) took Khadka into custody earlier in the day. CIB spokesperson Shiva Kumar Shrestha confirmed the arrest, stating that it was carried out following a formal request from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation. Authorities said Khadka is being held for questioning as part of a broader probe into alleged financial irregularities. While details of the case remain limited, officials indicated that the investigation is focused on suspected violations of Nepal’s anti-money laundering laws. The arrest marks a significant development, as Khadka is a prominent political figure associated with the Nepali Congress, one of the country’s major political parties. His detention is expected to intensify political scrutiny and could have wider implications for the party. Law enforcement agencies have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests are likely, but sources suggest that the investigation may involve multiple individuals and financial transactions. Khadka is expected to be presented before the court within the legally mandated timeframe as authorities seek permission to extend his detention for further investigation.
