Himal Press 
(From left) Former Inspector Generals Sarbendra Khanal and Dhiraj Pratap Singh.
KATHMANDU: The high-level commission formed to investigate gold smuggling has recommended the government keep two former inspector generals under watch.
The commission recommended keeping former inspector generals Sarbendra Khanal and Dhiraj Pratap Singh under watch, stating that they were in contact with individuals involved in gold smuggling.
Similarly, the commission has accused SP Sanjay Singh Thapa, the chief of the District Police Office, Nuwakot, of serious negligence in the investigation while he was with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police. SP Thapa, as well as DSP Rugam Kunwar of CIB, have been recalled to the police headquarters after the commission submitted its report.
The commission has also recommended that the government keep Bhim Kanta Bhandari of Beedh Lab under observation. According to the commission, Bhandari repeatedly held telephone conversations with people involved in gold smuggling.
According to a source at the home ministry, the commission has recommended that the government file a case against five Nepalis, nine Chinese, and one Indian after conducting a detailed investigation.
Likewise, the commission has recommended that the government investigate CIB chief AIG Kiran Bajrachary and Durga Dahal. Bajracharya has been replaced by AIG Ghyam Lal Gyawali at CIB.
The government formed the commission under pressure from the CPN-UML and other opposition parties after authorities impounded different consignments of gold smuggled into the country concealed in vapes or brake shoes of scooters.
The commission, led by former High Court Judge Dilli Raj Acharya, submitted its report to Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane on Thursday.
