Kathmandu: The Kathmandu District Court has issued an arrest warrant against former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arju Rana Deuba for investigation.

The warrant has been issued in connection with an ongoing probe, reportedly linked to the government’s decision to investigate the assets of former prime ministers. The current government, led by Balendra Shah, had taken this decision after assuming office on March 13.

According to reports, the Deuba couple is currently abroad, with their latest known location being Hong Kong. Earlier, Sher Bahadur Deuba had traveled to Singapore, while Arju Rana Deuba had visited India, and both have not returned to Nepal since. They were also abroad during the recent House of Representatives elections.

The Money Laundering Investigation Department is currently investigating several individuals, including former minister Deepak Khadka, businessman Deepak Bhatt, and Shankar Lal Agrawal of the Shankar Group and his son Shulav Agrawal.

The case has drawn further attention following earlier incidents during the Gen-G movement on Bhadra 24, when unrest at the Deuba residence in Budhanilkantha led to reports and videos showing large sums of cash being burned and taken away by the public.

Deuba’s Response
Responding to media reports, Sher Bahadur Deuba rejected the allegations, calling them misleading and false propaganda. In a statement shared on social media, he said that he had already disclosed his assets in accordance with Nepali law while holding public office.

He emphasized his long political career dedicated to democracy, rule of law, judicial independence, and transparency, stating that his “life is like an open book.”

Deuba also highlighted that key anti-corruption laws—including the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority Act (2048 BS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act (2059 BS)—were enacted during his tenure, reflecting his commitment to good governance.

He informed that he is currently abroad for medical treatment and urged the public not to be misled by exaggerated claims, expressing confidence that the truth will emerge over time.

The development has added a new dimension to Nepal’s ongoing political and legal landscape, as investigations into high-profile leaders continue.