KASKI, Aug 19: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said that the investigation of the gold smuggling case will be concluded and the smuggling network will be busted.
He mentioned that there is no need to form another high-level committee to investigate the gold smuggling case as the state's professional, professionally skilled human resource and mechanisms are working.
In a press conference organized by Press Center Nepal today at Pokhara International Airport, Home Minister Shrestha clarified that when the Central Investigation Bureau proceeds with the investigation process of the gold smuggling case, the culprits will be identified and they will be brought to justice.
He said, "A committee was formed by the parliament on a similar case in the past. The committee submitted its report and it was over. In another case when CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli was the prime minister, a probe committee was formed for the 33 kg gold case. Although the committee submitted its report, nothing else came from this committee. Neither it retrieved the gold, nor were the recommendations of the committee implemented. This is why our efficient structures that have been developed for investigation will carry out both the investigation and prosecution. It is appropriate to assign the responsibility to those institutions."
Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha expressed disappointment over the obstruction of parliamentary proceedings by the main opposition party, especially during the government's endeavors to enhance good governance and combat corruption. He stressed the importance of cross-party support and cooperation to bolster the government's efforts in these areas.
Shrestha also mentioned his plans to review and enhance the security and management protocols at Tribhuvan International Airport, aligning them with new policies and strategies. He also pointed out the need to give continuity to the current coalition government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the government working with commitment to advancing good governance and prosperity.
Also a Senior Vice Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Center), Shrestha said that the ongoing nationwide party gatherings and meetings are aimed at bringing transformation within the party. He participated in the seventh plenary meeting of the party’s Gandaki Province Committee held in Pokhara earlier in the day.