Karnali: Bishnu Prasad Poudel, Vice President of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and former Finance Minister, has been arrested on allegations of money laundering.

According to police officials, Poudel was arrested at around 6:00 PM from the meeting hall of a hotel in Birendranagar Municipality-3, Surkhet, where he had reportedly arrived to participate in a UML program related to election review and party reorganization.

Special Police Team Involved
Superintendent of Police Thakur Prasad Poudel, chief of the District Police Office, Surkhet, stated that the arrest was carried out by a 10-member special police team.

Police said that after the arrest, Poudel was taken by road to Nepalgunj and arrangements were being made to transfer him to Kathmandu for further legal proceedings.

Background
Police records identify Poudel as a permanent resident of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-9 in Rupandehi and currently residing in Lalitpur.
The arrest comes while he was engaged in party activities in Karnali Province. Authorities have stated that the action was taken in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation.

Investigation Continues
As of now, police have not publicly disclosed detailed information regarding the specific allegations or evidence underlying the case. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation and legal process move forward.

The arrest of a senior opposition leader and former finance minister is likely to have significant political implications and may generate strong reactions from both the ruling and opposition parties in the coming days.