Two persons arrested for fraud of Rs 850,000 for interfering with investigation in gold smuggling case

KATHMANDU, June 23: Two persons were arrested on charges of fraudulent conduct on the grounds that they promised to influence the investigation of suspects in the 60 kg gold smuggling case. The arrested persons are 63-year-old Krishna Prasad Sharma, alias KP Sharma, of Arghakhanchi, and 43-year-old Jhawindra Khatri of Rupandehi.

Nepal Police Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) spokesman SP Hobindra Bogati said police arrested them on Friday.

According to Bogati, it was revealed that they looted Rs 850,000 by promising to influence the investigation related to the Paywell Nepal Pvt. Ltd. employee who was accused of paying for the smuggled gold. The police are further investigating the matter.

Among those arrested is Sharma, a retired deputy commissioner of police. He had recently attracted attention for his controversial comments on social media. Some supporters of medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai presented him with shoes as garlands in Gaushala some time ago.