Government Initiates Probe into Suspicious Cash Found in Politicians’ Homes: PM Karki

Prime Minister Sushila Karki announced that the government has started a formal investigation into large amounts of suspicious cash discovered in the residences of several political leaders during vandalism and arson attacks on September 9 amid the nationwide Gen-Z protests.

In a televised address to the nation on Thursday, Karki said relevant agencies have already started gathering evidence.

“Authorities have initiated action to investigate unusually large sums of money found when private residences of party leaders were attacked and set on fire,” she stated, adding that the probe is aimed at determining the source and legitimacy of the funds.

The prime minister said her government, despite being in office only briefly, has obtained clear information about past instances of corruption and is committed to thorough inquiries and strong legal action. “Necessary investigations will be carried out and those found guilty will face strict action,” she affirmed.

Money-Laundering Probe Underway

According to a senior official at the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI), the agency is taking the lead in collecting evidence and cross-checking financial records. Investigators have begun examining bank statements of the leaders concerned and have already visited the damaged properties to document and secure physical proof.

Videos circulated on social media show large amounts of currency burning inside the Budhanilkantha residence of Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Separate footage purportedly shows protesters scattering bundles of cash found at the home of former minister Deepak Khadka. DMLI personnel have seized partially burned notes, ashes, and video materials, which are now undergoing forensic tests at Nepal Police’s laboratory.

Passport Suspension Under Review

Government sources confirmed that discussions are underway about possibly suspending the passports of several high-profile politicians while investigations proceed. Those named in internal deliberations include Deuba and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba; former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli; and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

Asked by reporters about these deliberations, government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel said the matter is being carefully studied. “State agencies are investigating corruption, irregularities, and related crimes, and passport restrictions are under consideration as part of that process,” he said. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal also indicated that investigative bodies “are already active,” following Karki’s national address.

Immigration sources revealed that Deuba and Arzu obtained new passports on September 19, claiming their previous documents were destroyed in the September 9 arson. The new passports reportedly already carry Thai visas.

Political Repercussions

The intensified scrutiny has created unease within the CPN (Maoist Centre). Party Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, presenting a political report to the central committee, warned that the interim government was attempting to use corruption allegations to restrict democratic leaders and threaten constitutional achievements.

“Despite the formation of a non-partisan interim government after the Gen-Z movement, reactionary forces still aim to destabilize the democratic order and jail political leaders under the pretext of corruption,” Dahal said.

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, speaking at a separate press briefing, urged the creation of a powerful commission to investigate what he described as the “vast illicit wealth” of corrupt leaders. “Some of their properties may have burned, but without a full investigation of all their assets, corruption cannot be eradicated,” he told journalists.