Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has submitted its investigation report regarding the smuggling of gold concealed within vapes at Tribhuvan International Airport.
CIB sources reveal that the investigative agency has recommended charges be filed against Rahul Mahara, the son of CPN (Maoist Center) Vice Chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara, along with three others.
The CIB submitted its report to the District Government Attorney’s Office in Kathmandu on Sunday. Notably, the specialized investigative unit of Nepal Police has suggested that Mahara senior not be included in the chargesheet.
In addition to Mahara, the CIB has advised prosecutors to list Lokendra Kumar Poudel and a Belgian national of Chinese descent, Dawa Chhiring, as defendants in the case. One individual, who remains at large, is also implicated.
Last December, customs officials apprehended 730 vapes on suspicion of containing illicit items. Subsequent investigations revealed that the vapes concealed gold. However, during the course of the inquiry, the consignment was stolen from the warehouse.
In his statement to the CIB, Mahara admitted to contacting customs officials to inquire about the release of the seized goods. He told the media that he had no knowledge that the confiscated consignment contained gold.
According to the CIB, Rahul Mahara was in regular contact with the smugglers.
