High-level Probe Commission Report on Gold Smuggling in Nepal Marred by Inaccuracies and Confusion

The submission of a report by the High-level Probe Commission regarding gold smuggling in Nepal has sparked confusion and controversy, as discrepancies and inaccuracies have been discovered within its findings. Initially presented to the government a month ago, the report, which implicated police officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police in alleged links with individuals involved in gold smuggling, has been found to be based on false information. This revelation has raised questions about the credibility and integrity of the investigative process undertaken by the Commission.

Established on October 1, 2023, under the leadership of former high court judge Dilli Raj Acharya, the Commission was tasked with investigating illegal gold smuggling activities originating from Tribhuvan International Airport. Comprising former joint secretaries Kishor Jung Karki and Premraj Joshi, as well as former Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Police Sahakul Thapa, the Commission conducted an extensive inquiry spanning approximately six months. However, the accuracy of its findings has come into question following revelations of factual inaccuracies, particularly concerning allegations against police officials.

The confusion surrounding the report extends beyond inaccuracies in its findings to issues of transparency and accountability. Despite calls for public disclosure of the full reports from various commissions tasked with investigating gold smuggling, complete transparency has yet to be achieved. Furthermore, while the report acknowledges the persistent problem of gold smuggling in Nepal, it fails to accurately identify the perpetrators, leaving key questions unanswered.