KATHMANDU, March 15: Shortly after the government decided to implement the report submitted by the High-Level Probe Commission on Gold Smuggling, police have arrested Dipesh Pun, the son of former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, in connection with the gold smuggling case.
A team deployed from the Nepal Police Headquarters in Naxal arrested Pun in the capital. Pun serves as the General Secretary of the All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union (Revolutionary), a sister organization of the ruling CPN (Maoist center).
60 kg gold smuggling case: CIB takes statements from Dipesh Pun...
The main accused in the 60 kg gold smuggling case seized on July 18 came under investigation after his relationship with Dawa Tshering was revealed. However, it is also mentioned in the report of the Gold Inquiry Commission that the CIB granted him immunity without conducting a serious investigation.
In the report submitted by the High-Level Probe Commission on Gold Smuggling on Thursday, the CIB concluded that it had granted immunity to Pun without conducting further investigation. It was found that Dipesh Pun had a close relationship with Dawa Tshering, who is in custody for pre-trial detention in the gold smuggling case.
According to sources, Dipesh had also partnered with Dawa in some companies. In his statement to the CIB, Dipesh Pun admitted his acquaintance and relationship with Dawa. However, he claimed that he was not involved in gold smuggling.
According to a member of the high-level probe commission, it was also found that Dipesh, along with Dawa and other Chinese nationals, went to visit Gosaikund in a helicopter. Dipesh went to Gosainkund with Dawa's wife, Amala Roka, and three Chinese nationals on January 15, 2024. Amala Roka is currently absconding in the gold case.
