Kathmandu: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested 20 suspects in the second phase of the investigation into the 60 kg gold smuggling case. The gold, smuggled from Hong Kong to Nepal via Cathay Pacific Airways, was hidden inside brake shoes and seized in July 2023.

CIB's Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police (SP) Hobindra Bogati stated that the second round of investigation is nearing completion. He added that 15 accused individuals are still at large and further details will be disclosed in an upcoming press conference.

Among those arrested in this phase are Indian nationals Prashant Ganesh Bajawalkar, Siddanath Ashok Gayakwad, Baijanath Mahadutta Goyal, and Dhirajdinesh Bait. Nepalese suspects include Surendraman Shrestha, Raju Khattri, Sushil Jakibanja, Kancha Lama, Bhim Prasad Timilsina, Rupak Bhandari, Prajwal Acharya, Suraj Shumsher JBR, Kashyap Manandhar, Lal Bahadur Kunwar, Arun Kumar Yadav, and Sonam Gurung alias Serap. Additionally, Tibetan national Ganga Tashi has been apprehended for his involvement.

The police are continuing their search for the absconding individuals and are investigating those involved in various aspects of the smuggling operation, including smelting, transporting, and trading the gold, as well as money management. The Revenue Investigation Department initially seized the gold at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. In the first round of the investigation, the CIB demanded over Rs 3.3 billion in fines from 29 accused, submitting their report to the District Public Prosecutor's Office on September 18 last year.