Kathmandu: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has recorded statements from former Prime Ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal and Baburam Bhattarai in connection with the Lalita Niwas land case, involving the alleged misappropriation of government land in Baluwatar. This move came after the CIB faced criticism for not obtaining statements from the former Prime Ministers initially.

Initially, the CIB had been poised to submit a report to the district attorney's office about the Lalita Niwas land case without securing statements from Nepal and Bhattarai. However, CIB officials reevaluated their position, recognizing that submitting a report with conclusions without taking statements from the main decision-makers would be inconsistent with the Supreme Court's directive to investigate individuals up to the highest levels of the Cabinet. Consequently, statements were taken from Nepal and Bhattarai before the report was finalized.

On Sunday evening, the CIB team visited the residences of former Prime Ministers Nepal and Bhattarai to gather their statements. In a subsequent tweet, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai revealed that he had provided his statement to the CIB, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and cooperation. He expressed his hope that resolving this matter would mark a turning point in combatting corruption and ensuring good governance throughout the nation.

The secretariat of Madhav Nepal confirmed that the CIB team had visited Nepal's residence and obtained his statement as well. Initially, there were concerns that the investigation might conclude without statements from these prominent figures due to perceived pressure from the ruling coalition party. However, under mounting pressure from various quarters, the CIB ultimately secured statements from both former Prime Ministers to ensure a comprehensive inquiry.