High-level inquiry committee not needed: Minister Sharma

KATHMANDU: The government has firmly stated that the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the 100 kg gold smuggling case, as demanded by opposition parties, is unnecessary at this stage.

Speaking at a press meeting organized to announce the decisions of the cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, said that the Department of Revenue Investigation under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers is effectively handling the case. “Since the department is close to uncovering the root cause of the incident, there is no need to form other committees to look into the case,” she added. “If the need arises during the investigation, the government may consider forming other committees. But the formation of similar committees could potentially hinder the progress of the ongoing investigation.”

The opposition party, CPN-UML, has been obstructing the House proceedings, demanding the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to probe the gold smuggling incident.

“We are engaged in a discussion with the opposition parties to resolve the matter. I am hopeful that the obstruction in the House will be resolved soon,” she added.

The Department of Revenue Investigation has made 18 arrests so far as part of its investigation into the 100 kg gold smuggling through the Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office. The opposition parties are alleging that some senior political leaders are involved in the smuggling.