Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula has accused the government of reluctance in forming a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the smuggling of 100 kg of gold through the Tribhuvan International Airport.
Talking to reporters on the premises of the House of Representatives on Monday, Bartaula alleged that the government is dragging its feet out of fear that its own leaders might be implicated in the case.
“We have decided to halt all proceedings in parliament until a high-level inquiry committee is formed. Several leaders from the ruling coalition seem to be involved directly in this scam,” Bartaula claimed. “Gold is being brought in from China and exported elsewhere, using Nepal as a transit point, and the government seems to be directly involved in it.”
He also said those involved in the smuggling are not ordinary individuals but rather senior leaders who have previously held significant positions in the government.
“This is why we will keep putting pressure on the government to thoroughly investigate the case,” Bartaula added.
UML has said that it would disrupt House proceedings until a high-level inquiry committee is formed.
