Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda of Nepal has taken a significant step in the investigation of the smuggling case involving around 100 kg of gold seized on July 3.

Initially planning to assign the investigation to the Revenue Investigation Department, the Prime Minister changed his decision after Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha requested the case be handed over to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police.

The request from his fellow party member and concerns over impartiality prompted Prime Minister Prachanda to entrust the investigation to the CIB, an agency under the Prime Minister's office. Given the seriousness and complexity of the case, involving an organized and international crime network, a thorough investigation is crucial.

On Thursday evening, a heated argument unfolded between Prime Minister Prachanda and Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha during a discussion on the matter. The disagreement revolved around whether the police should be involved in the investigation. While Home Minister Shrestha advocated for police involvement to tackle organized crime effectively, Prime Minister Prachanda expressed dissatisfaction and insisted that the Revenue Investigation Department handle the case.

In the midst of the dispute, Prime Minister Prachanda refused to involve the police in the investigation, raising concerns about undue pressure on the case. Nevertheless, Home Minister Shrestha had already discussed the matter with the head of security, Police Inspector General, and three Assistant Inspector Generals.

The Chief AIG of CIB, Kiran Bajracharya, confirmed that she had received instructions from the Prime Minister regarding the investigation and assured that the process would commence promptly once the file is received from the Revenue Investigation Department.

Currently, 18 individuals, including customs officers and foreign nationals from Belgium, India, and China, have been arrested in connection with the gold smuggling case. As the investigation proceeds under the CIB's jurisdiction, the authorities aim to unravel the intricacies of this illicit activity and bring those responsible to justice.