By Our Reporter

Re-arrest of the former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara has sent shock waves in Nepal's political circle. Following the rejection of his gold smuggling case by the District Attorney's Office in March 2024 and release on bail, Mahara is back in jail, indicating a resolve to investigate corruption and illegal practices that were previously swept under the rug. This move is greater than reopening a single case; it's the start of a broader campaign to bring high-profile figures to justice, regardless of what their politics are.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) was told in no uncertain terms to reopen cases that were dropped because of political pressure. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal reaffirmed that evidence should not be rejected because it implicates influential leaders. In Mahara's case, gold smuggling through vape cartridges and conspiracy with the customs officials—is a barefaced conspiracy which allegedly enriched influential individuals. Political intervention which shielded Mahara previously, when Prachanda was Prime Minister and Rabi Lamichhane Home Minister, now faces the backlash.

Its implications for other political figures are too large to be overlooked. Nepali Congress vice president Dhanraj Gurung, who was previously protected in the Miteri Cooperative scandal case, finds himself in the limelight again. Millions of rupees worth of deals placed in his account after the scandal erupted have raised allegations of cover-up. Likewise, Leelaballav Adhikari, a former Minister of Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province, and former Deputy Speaker Indira Rana, previously released from accusations of human trafficking under political pressure, could soon be facing repeat investigations.

The scope of the CIB's new initiative extends even deeper. Maoist leaders Barsaman Pun and Nanda Bahadur Pun (Pasang) are reported to be facing investigation for potential links to widespread gold smuggling. Evidence of frequent meetings with a key suspect, phone records, and family connections had been insufficient in the past to initiate prosecutions. Now, the bureau is re-opening these dossiers, a sign of greater muscle in political protection of crime.

Mahara's rearrest and revival of these long-dormant cases are a turning point in Nepal's fight against corruption and abuse of public trust. Political influence had for years shielded leaders from accountability, eroding public trust.

This tide of inquiries proves, however, that influence alone may no longer be sufficient to guarantee impunity. If the CIB follows the evidence wherever it may lead, Nepal can anticipate a series of high-profile prosecutions, a turning point toward true legal accountability.

For the people who are fed up with impunity, Mahara's case is not just a news headline, but a test of whether Nepal's institutions can finally rise to the challenge of political privilege that has grown roots. The next few months will test the resolve not just of the system, but of the political elite to face long-delayed consequences.